Key Considerations for Building a Fully Compliant and Inclusive Park

29 March 2024
 Categories: , Blog

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Building a park may seem like a straightforward task, but it's more than just planting trees and installing benches. It's a complex process that requires careful planning and consideration. You need to think about the community's needs, the location's suitability, and the park's overall design. From choosing the right play equipment for kids to ensuring accessibility for all, there's a lot to consider.

Amenities and Features

Once you've decided on a theme, it's time to draw up the list of amenities and features that you want your park to have. Perhaps you're going with a nature-themed park. Choose plant species carefully. Some may look beautiful but could be invasive or harmful to local fauna.

The same goes for any structures you're installing. Playgrounds, jogging paths, and workout stations all need to satisfy the local demographic. For instance, if the local population has a higher number of children, a playground is considered a must-have feature.

Sustainability Considerations

Building a sustainable park is not just a trend; it’s becoming a norm. The first step towards a more sustainable park is considering the local flora and fauna. Preserving local ecosystems not only helps the environment but also gives your park a unique natural beauty that imported plants can't match.

Consider using renewable energy sources for park lights. Solar-powered lights are a great alternative. They’re powered by the sun during the day and turn on automatically when the sun sets. You can also limit the use of concrete and other non-permeable materials in your park. They prevent water from seeping into the soil, which can create problems in the park's drainage system. Using permeable materials, on the other hand, promotes better water management.

Accessibility requirements

Inclusivity should be part of your park's vision. Every park should be accessible and user-friendly for all, regardless of age, physical strength, or cognitive abilities. This requirement means you should be familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for accessible design. These standards provide guidelines to make parks usable by everyone.

According to the ADA standards, the park layout, design of amenities, the surface of pathways and playgrounds, access to restrooms, parking, and public transportation should all be ADA-compliant. Your park should not just be a place for entertainment but should also demonstrate a socially conscious design that offers universal accessibility.

Building a park isn't just about creating a beautiful space. It's about crafting an inclusive, legally compliant environment that the entire community can enjoy. Remember, you're not just shaping a landscape, you're shaping lives.

Reach out to a local company like Consolidated Contracting Services to learn more.