Inclusion Is Not Always a New-Build Project: Berghausen Playground Becomes More Inclusive

Many existing playgrounds already offer a strong foundation for further development. Often, a completely new build is not necessary. What is needed is a well-thought-out concept that identifies barriers, makes use of existing structures and adds the right adaptations in the right places.

This is exactly what the Berghausen project demonstrates. The existing playground was not completely replaced, but gradually developed into a more inclusive play space. The focus was on better accessibility, clearer orientation, expanded play opportunities and more space for shared experiences.

Before the Retrofit: Play Equipment Was There, but Participation Was Limited

Before the retrofit, many play areas and pieces of equipment were difficult to reach. Gravel surfaces, high entry points and a lack of orientation aids made the playground particularly challenging for people with limited mobility or visual impairments.

Playing together was also only possible to a limited extent. The existing equipment offered few opportunities for children with different physical or motor abilities. Spaces for social interaction were limited, as many areas were not easily accessible.

After the Retrofit: Better Access, Clearer Orientation and More Opportunities to Play Together

Thanks to the implementation of the two-way principle and the use of the HUCK Inclusion Mat, the play equipment is now much easier to reach. People with limited mobility can move around the playground more easily and get closer to the individual play areas.

Coloured guide posts, two-tone ropes and clearly visible guide ropes also improve orientation. People with visual impairments in particular benefit from clearer structures and more easily recognisable guiding elements.

At the same time, the play opportunities were expanded. Adapted entry points, seating options, additional movement elements and new play areas create more opportunities to join in, watch, explore and interact with others.

Targeted Measures with a Big Impact

On the "Black Beard Pirate Ship”, features such as a sensory shower, rubber mat ascents, coloured orientation elements and a lowered sack net with an integrated seating option make access and the play experience easier.

A new spiral carousel adds an additional movement experience to the playground. Depending on their abilities, children can sit, lie down or hold on while enjoying the gentle rotating movement together.

The large climbing pyramid was also further developed: seat openings and colour-coded ropes make different levels of difficulty visible and help children find the route that suits them best.

For the Original HUCK Vogelnest Sombrero®, the Inclusion Mat ensures that the swing is easier to reach. The integrated back support provides additional stability and is especially helpful for children with limited mobility while swinging.

Turning an Existing Site into a Place for Participation

The Berghausen project shows that inclusion is not created by one single piece of play equipment alone. What matters is the interaction between access, orientation, play value, movement and social connection.

When existing playgrounds are carefully assessed and developed with targeted measures, an existing site can become a play space that includes more people.

Would You Like to Make an Existing Playground More Inclusive?

HUCK supports municipalities, planners and operators in rethinking existing playgrounds. Together, we assess which structures are already in place and which adaptations can create better accessibility, clearer orientation and more opportunities for shared play.

Contact: seiltechnik@huck.net