Hesperian Health Guides
Chapter 46: Playgrounds for All Children
A good way to start a village or neighborhood rehabilitation program is to involve the local people in building a low-cost ârehabilitation playground.â It is important that the playground be built for use by all childrenâboth with and without disabilities.
Building a playground âfor all childrenâ is a good way to get enthusiastic community participation. To promote community ownership and pride in the playground, teamwork is very important. Be open to all community members sharing their skills and talents, and ensure that decision-making is a group process. All participants, no matter how small their contribution, should be recognized and appreciated equally.
The playground brings non-disabled and disabled children together through play.
To build the playground, it is best to use local, low-cost materials, and simple construction. One of the playgroundâs main purposes is to give children with disabilities and their parents a chance to try different playthings and exercise equipment. Whatever works for their child, a family can easily build at home, at no or low cost. For this reason, a playground made of tree limbs and poles, old tires, and other âwasteâ materials is more appropriate than a fancy metal playground built by skilled craftsmen at high cost. (Also, metal gets very hot in hot, sunny climates.)
These pages will give you some ideas for simple playground equipment. Although most of the photos come from PROJIMO in Mexico, many of the ideas shown are based on a playground in Thailand and on designs by Don Caston.