Introduction
Playgrounds are essential for children’s social, emotional, and physical development, yet children with disabilities continue to face barriers to accessing inclusive play spaces.
This brief highlights key results from a master’s thesis by Riley McCormick (2025), which investigated the accessibility of 76 public playgrounds in Raleigh, North Carolina, using the Playground Accessibility Rating Criteria (PARC) tool and spatial analysis methods.
The aim of the study was to identify disparities in playground inclusivity and access. Factors such as equipment design, pathways, walkability, and access to ADA-compliant bus stops (accessibility standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act) were analyzed alongside demographic and economic data.
This brief provides valuable insights for city planners, parks departments, policymakers, community organizations, and researchers working to improve equitable opportunities for play.
Insights from the study
The accessibility audit showed significant differences in playground inclusivity across Raleigh. On average, playgrounds scored 33.5 out of 86 possible points. The top 25 playgrounds scored nearly three times higher than the bottom 25.
Missing inclusive features
Lower-scoring playgrounds were often missing key features such as:
- Ramps
- Adaptive swings
- Accessible restrooms
Who has access?
Access varied among different demographic groups:
- Overall residents: Only 25.3% of Raleigh residents lived within a half mile of a public playground.
- Children: 26.6% of children lived within a half mile of a public playground.
- Children with disabilities: Just 30.9% lived within a half mile of a playground, leaving most without nearby options.
Equity gaps
Access was also shaped by racial and economic factors:
- Race: Predominantly Black communities were more likely to be near playgrounds with low inclusivity than those with high inclusivity.
- Economics: About two-thirds of playgrounds were located in healthier or above-average economic areas. Fewer playgrounds were found in below-average areas or less healthy areas where needs may be greater.
Transportation and walkability
Transportation and walkability also influenced accessibility:
- Most playgrounds were close to a bus stop. Fewer than half of these stops, however, met ADA standards.
- Highly inclusive playgrounds were often located in less walkable neighborhoods, making access harder for families without cars.
Recommendations
This study highlights clear opportunities to improve access to play in Raleigh, North Carolina, for city planners and park departments, policymakers, and researchers.
Invest in underserved areas
- Upgrade existing playgrounds with features like ramps, sensory elements, and adaptive swings.
- Renovate low-inclusive playgrounds, especially in downtown Raleigh and lower-income neighborhoods to help reduce existing gaps.
Improve transportation access
- Expand greenway connections to inclusive playgrounds for easier access without cars boosting mobility and connectivity for all residents.
- Transportation agencies are key to improving accessibility.
- Ensure bus stops near playgrounds meet ADA standards, which would enhance access for families using public transport.
- Dedicate funding for inclusive playground renovations in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
- Incorporate universal design principles into city planning so that new playgrounds are accessible from the start.
- More research and community involvement is needed to strengthen this effort.
- Gather feedback from families with children with disabilities to identify priority features to guide more focused investments.
- Combine spatial analysis with user satisfaction studies to gain a clearer picture of inclusivity in action.
- Expand this study to other cities to identify national trends and shape policies that guarantee inclusive play for all children.
This brief is based on
Nelson, R. (2025). Play for all: Access to inclusive playgrounds in Raleigh, North Carolina [Master’s thesis, North Carolina State University]. NC State University Repository. https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/resolver/1840.20/45462
Disparities in playground access: Insights and solutions
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