Differently-abled kids deserve the chance to play and have a good time, and that’s exactly what the Magical Bridge Playground aims to provide. Newly opened at Sun Plaza Park in Tampines, the inclusive playground is thoughtfully designed and built to enable children of all ability levels to play, explore, and connect with one another.
From wheelchair-friendly setups to low-sensory zones for quiet moments, here’s a look at all the inclusive elements:
Image adapted from: @magicalbridge, @nparksbuzz
The Magical Bridge Playground sports barrier-free access, meaning no steep curbs or narrow entry points to the playground that usually prevent wheelchair users from joining in the fun.
Image credit: @nparksbuzz
You’ll also find a wheelchair-accessible swing and a special slide that has a dedicated dignity seat – enabling wheelchair users ample space to receive assistance back on their wheelchair.
It’s part and parcel of childhood playtime to have squeals and giggles, but sometimes that can be overwhelming for those with conditions like autism. Keeping this in mind, the team behind Magical Bridge Playground have carved out spaces for those who are feeling overloaded to duck out momentarily and find peace.
Image credit: @nparksbuzz
Called Hideaway Huts, these cosy spaces not only provide respite from the main play area’s rowdy action, but are also fitted with tactile features so that the users can channel their focus away from the influx of noise and movement around them.
Continuing with the theme of taking things slow, the sensory garden is where we can all stand to hit pause and enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature. All the plants here are safe to smell and even touch, so no worries about little ones accidentally making contact with plants that will make them itchy or sticky with sap.
Image credit: @nparksbuzz
The planters are also intentionally raised such that our wheelchair-using friends can also reach them. Not only can we stop and smell the flowers, this moment of respite also reminds us to interact with Mother Nature – a practice that has been proven to do good for our mental wellbeing.
For people affected by low or impaired vision, monotonous playgrounds can be tricky to navigate at best, and hazardous at worst. You may have seen playgrounds in minimalist, neutral-toned colour schemes for the sake of keeping things aesthetic – the “beige mom” version of playground design, if you will.
Image credit: @nparksbuzz
Magical Bridge Playground goes the opposite direction, with splashes of colour from the flooring surfaces to all the equipment and set-ups. This isn’t just an aesthetic consideration, but to help with visibility and make amenities easier to get to, and demarcations in the space clearer.
Image credit: Nirmala Damith Jayawardena via Google Maps
Besides the thoughtfully designed and built structures with differently-abled children in mind, there are also regular playground fixtures so that all kids can play together. Plus, an equally bright and colourful amphitheatre beside it to host community events and gatherings.
All this was made possible through the support of the Magical Bridge Foundation, a non-profit organisation headquartered in California, USA. As the founder puts it, “We dream that one day soon we will no longer need to specify ‘inclusive’ or ‘accessible’ when creating something as vital as a playground”.
Read our other articles for playtime activities:
Cover image adapted from: @nparksbuzz, @magicalbridge
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