Today In Play
The Thomas Playground: Rethinking Inclusive Play for All Children
More Than Just Accessible — A Playground Designed for Belonging
In the Thomas Playground, we’ve reimagined what true inclusive play can look like. This isn’t just about adding a wheelchair-accessible swing — it’s about designing a space where every child, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, feels welcome, engaged, and inspired to play together.
Challenging the Traditional Definition of Accessibility
From Specialist Equipment to Inclusive Environments
All too often, playground accessibility is limited to one or two pieces of specialist equipment — which can unintentionally emphasize differences and create separation.
In collaboration with Accessible UK, we took a different approach and asked a powerful question:
What if every child could feel included in the play experience — even if not every piece of equipment was accessible to everyone?
A Creative Blueprint for Inclusive Playground Design
By removing budget constraints and focusing on creativity and empathy, we envisioned a play space that encourages shared laughter, exploration, and connection. It’s a playground where no child’s experience is limited — a space designed for inclusion, not just access.
This is our vision for inclusive play.
It's not built. Not yet. But it represents what’s possible. It serves as a powerful reminder that the playground design and play industry can — and should — do better.
Read more about the background, the partnership and the concept here.