Playground for Everyone: Everyone's Playground in Mainz
Inclusive Playground Unveiled: Open to All Community Members - Interactive Haven for Everybody: Free Rein for All Ages
Braille signs and a wheelchair-accessible carousel greet visitors at the brand new inclusive playground in Mainz. Created through the "Piece of Luck" initiative by "Aktion Mensch" and several companies, this playground allows kids of varying abilities to frolic together.
The play equipment sits at a low height on a rubber surface, making it easy for children in wheelchairs to navigate. The carousel, positioned comfortably at ground level, is wheelchair-friendly as well.
stats and facts
A 2023 study by "Aktion Mensch" revealed that only about 21% of playgrounds in Germany possess inclusive features. Rhineland-Palatinate showed an even lower rate of 17.5%.
Creating an inclusive playground can cost up to 40% more, according to Uwe Lersch, a playground planner for Kompan, a manufacturer involved in the Mainz project - the first of its kind in Rhineland-Palatinate under the "Aktion Mensch" initiative.
Germany struggles to keep pace
Germany trails in this area compared to other nations, notes Lersch. In some countries, inclusive playgrounds are required by law. The project's ambassador is Mathias Mester, a Paralympic shooting silver medalist in 2008, who understands firsthand the pain of exclusion.
Team spirit
The primary objective of inclusive playgrounds is to prevent discrimination against disabled children and foster a sense of camaraderie. This way, children can learn that diversity is natural.
10-year-old Metin, who uses a wheelchair, appreciates the independence the playground offers. Traditional playgrounds often leave him dependent on assistance, whereas this new playground encourages him to play without help.
- playground
- inclusion
- Mainz
- Aktion Mensch
- children
- Germany
- carousel
- Rhineland-Palatinate
- luck
Trends and initiatives
- Market Trends: The outdoor playground equipment market in Europe, including Germany, displays a growing emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials and promoting social inclusion in designs.
- Inclusive Design: More playgrounds are becoming inclusive, focusing on providing enjoyable and accessible spaces for all children, regardless of their abilities.
- Examples of Playground Initiatives:
- Großspielplatz in Hasepark, Osnabrück: A large playground in Germany that integrates inclusive elements.
- Playground meets Outlet Centre, Harsewinkel, Germany: Another example of innovative playground design.
Cost
Building inclusive playgrounds can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of euros, with larger or more complex projects costing upwards of €500,000.
- In light of the staggering statistic that only 21% of playgrounds in Germany possess inclusive features, it's evident that initiatives like the one in Mainz, spearheaded by Aktion Mensch, are imperative in promoting inclusivity.
- Conducting vocational training for potential playground designers and architects to create more home-and-garden spaces that are accessible and enjoyable for all children, regardless of their abilities, could potentially contribute to increasing the number of inclusive playgrounds in Germany.
