Public Parks and Universal Design
WHAT IS UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN OUR PARKS?
A Universally Designed park is aesthetically pleasing and usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their size, age or ability. No special equipment or signage is required--all areas and structures are accessible.
Trails and greenways encourage use by everyone;
Water features, lakes and splash parks provide rest and recreation for all ages and abilities;
Playing fields and courts accommodate adaptive sports for participants with various abilities;
Picnic shelters with accessible benches and tables provide social interaction for everyone.
WHY CARE ABOUT UNIVERSAL DESIGN?
The role of parks is to provide open public spaces that are free, safe, and accessible to everyone for physical activity and social opportunities. Unfortunately, many parks fall short on meeting the needs of everyone. The US has 8.3 million children (ages 5 to 17) and 47.5 million adults with disabilities. The most commonly identified disabilities are the inability to climb a flight of stairs or walk three city blocks and the loss of balance. Through physical activity and social involvement, underlying causes and limitations of these disabilities may be lessened and secondary conditions prevented including:
Coronary disease, stroke, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes;
High blood pressure and cholesterol;
Impaired mental health, depression and cognitive function.
IMPLEMENTING UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN OUR PARKS
Universal Designed parks are for everyone. Therefore:
Play structures should communicate and reinforce information in multiple ways;
Wider sidewalks should be provided to promote safer walking and signing for the Deaf community;
Voice-activated intersections and variations in pathway surfaces should be used for the visually impaired;
shorter distances with curving sidewalks, benches, and public restrooms should be provided to promote a comfortable environment for older adults and for children.
Indoor facilities should include accessible exercise areas, classrooms, bathrooms, and showers
PROMOTING UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN THE COMMUNITY
Learn more about Universal Design and share what you know with friends, family and neighbors.
Incorporate Universal Design features within your existing home or while building a new one.
Join committees within your community to provide input on decisions around housing, aging-in-place, community development, parts, transportation, greenways, etc.
Raise awareness of the need for Universal Design by writing letters to the newspaper editor, blogging or speaking to interested groups.
For more information on Universal Design, go to: Universal Design Institute Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access
