Inclusive Playground Design Guide

Community Voices Matter

Parents and caregivers often have valuable lived experience of playground barriers. Listening to community voices can help councils design playgrounds that truly meet local needs.

You can read real experiences from families here: 

Inclusive playgrounds allow children of all abilities to play together in the same space. For councils, inclusive design is about more than meeting accessibility requirements—it is about creating public spaces where every child can participate, explore, and belong.

Across New Zealand, many playgrounds still unintentionally exclude wheelchair users and children with disabilities. Simple design choices can make a significant difference. By planning for inclusion from the start, councils can create playgrounds that support independence, social interaction, and equal access to play.

Guided by Lived Experience: Designing Playgrounds Where Every Child Can Play