Part of the Children with Disability NZ network:

  • Accessible Playgrounds NZ helps families find inclusive playgrounds
  • Inclusive Playground Equipment NZ helps councils, schools and communities design better ones

Real-World Parking Failures

Real-World Parking Failures

Real-World Parking Failures

Real-World Parking Failures – When Design Looks Right but Fails in Practice

Many mobility parks appear compliant but fail in real-world use.

Common Failures Seen

  • Sloping access aisles
  • Incorrect side access
  • Uneven or broken surfaces
  • Obstacles beside vehicles
  • No usable path to destination

Why This Happens

Design often focuses on:

  • Layout
  • Compliance
  • Visual appearance

Instead of:

  • Real-world usability

Lived Experience Insight

Accessibility cannot be judged from a plan or drawing alone.

It must be tested against real use.

The True Test

Ask one simple question:

Can a disabled person:

  • Get out
  • Use their equipment
  • Move safely
  • Get back in
    without help?

If not, the design has failed.

Why This Page Exists

To highlight real issues and drive better design outcomes across New Zealand.

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