In January 2010, Landscape Structures introduced the Inclusive Play playground design solution to truly welcome children and families of all abilities to the playground. This design solution builds on the years of experience Landscape Structures has in providing industry-leading accessible and age-appropriate challenges, and also addresses the sensory needs of children with autism and other sensory-processing disorders, as well as those that are typically developing.
To further unite children of all abilities on the playground, Landscape Structures partners with Shane’s Inspiration, a nonprofit organization specializing in the design and educational programming of inclusive playgrounds. For 10 years, Landscape Structures and Shane’s Inspiration have worked to design and install playgrounds that achieve the highest levels of inclusive play, as well as provide integrated play programming that promotes understanding of the unique abilities of every child.
The playground is a child’s classroom. And while a child’s entrance into a classroom would never be denied, children with disabilities are routinely denied entrance onto the playground, as many traditional playgrounds are inaccessible to them. This means that children with disabilities are denied the vital benefits of play. It’s important to provide inclusive play environments as well as integrated play programming so that children of all abilities develop physically, mentally and socially.
Landscape Structures and Shane’s Inspiration are celebrating their 10 years of partnership through the Together We Play™ essay contest. The contest, which began on April 4, and runs through Aug. 1, 2011, asks communities to share their vision for an inclusive playground and how it will further their commitment to social inclusion. The community that submits the winning essay will win $100,000 in playground equipment from Landscape Structures along with $50,000 of project development, design and educational programming services from Shane’s Inspiration.
Additionally, five regional winners will be selected, each of which will receive $10,000 in inclusive playground equipment along with inclusive playground design, project development and educational programming services valued at $50,000.
“It has been an honor to partner with Shane’s Inspiration on the creation of more than 30 spectacular playgrounds in the Western U.S., and we hope that this contest will help bring inclusive play to more communities throughout the U.S. and Canada,” said Pat Faust, president of Landscape Structures.
The contest is open to representatives of U.S. and Canadian government entities (excluding Quebec), including parks and recreation agencies, schools and qualified 501(c) (3) organizations. Landscape Structures encourages all qualified contestants to enter the contest by completing an online entry form and submitting an original essay. To find complete contest rules and an official entry form, visit playlsi.com/Together-We-Play.