Key Terms

A designated area, designed and built for play.  Playgrounds can include a wide range of play equipment, as well as access paths and surfacing.

Apparatus designed for play, purposefully installed in outdoor spaces; including but not limited to: swings, slides, climbers, monkey bars, see saws, springers, spinners, play panels, instruments, etc.

Play equipment can be configured as single apparatus, a cluster of apparatus within a defined area, or multiples types of apparatus combined as structure that could include platforms.

 A playground that meets the requirements set out in the AODA related to surfacing, accessible features and clearance.  Accessible playgrounds aim to provide ease of movement  to,  through, and around the playspace.

An inclusive playground goes beyond accessibility standards, and aims to enable all participants to engage in play that is satisfying and varied.   Inclusion considers as many people’s needs as possible.  Inclusion in playgrounds is about removing the obstacles and barriers that prevent people of all ages, and abilities, from engaging. It may not be possible for everyone to access every feature  of the playground in the same way.  While all inclusive playgrounds are also accessible, not all accessible playgrounds can be considered inclusive.