Outdoor Spaces Including Security and Independence Issues

Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA

Outdoor spaces can provide individuals with special needs interesting areas to explore social contact as well as places to be left alone. Security is important to assist in defining boundaries and providing safe play environments. Playground areas can be designed to stimulate and provide physical opportunities for individuals with gross motor skill challenges; wider openings between play structures can allow for easy access and support personal space needs; equipment can be designed to be sensory rich; hardscaped areas can be covered with rubberized materials for safety; ramps can connect to structures and climbing equipment can be made lower to permit the physically-challenged opportunities to participate in play activity; outdoor activities such as landscaping and digging can provide physical challenges and assist in developing vocational skills; landscaped paths can help define edges; brightly colored equipment can provide sensory stimulation; and secluded areas can provide safe distances from people whose voices and activities could overstimulate individuals with disabilities.

© Purple Cherry Architects 2008