Due to some family issues that popped during the last week, I have run out of time to fully

complete the research proposal. I don’t like having to submit an incomplete assignment, but
some points are better than no points. The proposal starts on the next page.
 Research Proposal for Accessible Playground

Purpose

The purpose of this research proposal is to discover the feasibility of constructing a playground
with accessible equipment to replace the recently-demolished playground in Lincoln Park.

Summary

The City of Wenatchee has two dozen parks and recreational areas within its city limits, with
many of these parks having playground equipment. These playgrounds enable many children to
grow in many ways. They can build social skills, get some exercise, and, in general, just have
fun. Unfortunately, there is a small group of people that are left out of the fun. Children that
have trouble walking and rely on walking devices and wheelchairs to get around are unable to
utilize traditional playground equipment. They are often relegated to watching from the ground
as they can’t climb the stairs or ladders to elevated platforms, and they feel left out.

There is a remedy available to allow children to join in the fun. Specialized playground
equipment is available to allow those with mobility issues to participate and Lincoln Park is the
perfect place to install this equipment. However, the city needs to know if it is feasible to
construct a playground with accessible equipment. This proposal will outline how I intend to
answer this question for the City of Wenatchee. While I have no formal experience with the
development of parks, this issue is personal for me, so I wish to be thorough to satisfy a need in
my life.

Introduction

As society has become more progressive in its attitude toward those with disabilities, so has its
expansion of accommodations and services. In the past, those with mental or physical ailments
were sources of shame for their families. Those with disabilities would be hidden away or sent
to institutions with limited opportunities to interact with others in a recreational setting. As
views changed and those with disabilities became more accepted in society, many
accommodations have been made in our city to make their lives easier. While much has been
done, there is one often-overlooked aspect that has been missed. In our city, persons with
disabilities can’t utilize playground equipment.

In the City of Wenatchee, none of the playgrounds have any equipment accessible to those with
mobility issues. An accessible playground is one that has specialized equipment, walking
surfaces and/or terrain alterations to allow wheeled mobility devices and those that have
difficulty walking to reach elevated platforms on the playground. They can also include
equipment that is at ground level, as well as pieces of loose equipment that can be played with
without accessing elevated platforms. On standard playgrounds, children and young adults that
use a walking device and wheelchairs are unable to participate with their typical peers when they
start climbing on the playground equipment. Elevated platforms that can only be reached by
stairs or other climbing apparatuses (ladders or rock walls) are difficult, if not impossible, to
scale without significant help from parents or friends. The constant lifting can cause the helpers
to become exhausted. The person with mobility issues can become frustrated if they’re unable to
go where they want, when they want, or if they want to be able to play independently, but are
unable to. These situations can dissuade families and friends from wanting to go to the
playground.

An accessible playground provides those with less mobility the opportunity to play with family
and friends while alleviating a significant amount of frustration and exhaustion. But it also
provides more than relief for emotional stress. It provides them with the opportunity to
psychologically grow. Studies have shown that children develop social, physical, and cognitive
function through play. Playground equipment allows a child to use their imagination and build
relationships. A playground with accessible equipment allows more peers to join in without
feeling like an outsider.

The benefits of having accessible playground equipment go both ways as well. Along with
providing the benefits to those with mobility issues, playing on the same equipment can teach
typical children about equality. On standard playground equipment, typical children can see
their peers on the outside, looking in. While they might not be aware of it, they can develop
feelings that those that are unable to use the equipment are different. Over time, this can lead to
intentional exclusion from play and socialization. When both groups of children are able to use
playground equipment, it can show typical children that just because somebody uses a
wheelchair or walker doesn’t mean they deserve to be treated differently.

The City of Wenatchee recently tore down the old playground equipment in Lincoln Park in
South Wenatchee. The playground provided enjoyment to countless children year after year, but
it was starting to show its age and needed to be replaced. In the footprint of this old playground
is where I propose we build this new accessible playground to include a whole new group of
children and young adults that were excluded from participating in play on the old playground.

To even consider building an accessible playground, I’m aware that the city needs to know a few
things.

Proposed Program/Plan of Work

Proposed Program/Plan of Work

Budget and Schedule

Budget and Schedule

 Qualifications/Experience

The primary researcher that’s associated with this proposal is me, Matthew Benson. I am
currently a student at Washington State University. While I have no professional experience
with proposing or designing parks, this issue hits home with me on a personal level. My son was
born with a brain malformation and has been diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy. He has issues
talking and walking and he uses a walker to get around. Before we moved to Washington State,
my family used to reside in North Dakota. Our town there had a park with accessible playground
equipment, and he loved going to that park because he could be independent in how he played.
Unfortunately, our local playground here in Washington uses standard playground equipment
which precludes him from enjoying the playground to his fullest. I believe my passion for
advocating for my son in this matter makes me a great candidate to perform the research in this
proposal.

Annotated Bibliography

Mejeur, Megan, et al. A Systematic Review of the Best Practices for Playground Inclusion.
Pediatrics, 2013.

While building toward how inclusion in a playground can assist with occupational
therapy, Mejeur discusses how playgrounds that are designed to accommodate those with
mobility and cognitive issues can be beneficial to both those with mobility issues and
those without. Allowing both groups of children to play together enables both groups to
develop in a more positive manner than if the children with mobility and cognitive issues
were forced to remain isolated due to their inability to properly utilize playground
equipment.

Sherer, Paul M., The Benefits of Parks: Why America Needs More City Parks and Open Space.
The Trust for Public Land, 2006.

In this short publication, Sherer laments the loss of public parks around the country and
discusses why there is a need to reverse this trend. He covers when and why spending on
parks and playgrounds has steadily decreased throughout the years, as well as specific,
tangible benefits to people and communities that an increase in park and playground
presence will provide.

Parks and playgrounds provide a place for everybody to gather and socialize, not just
children. Children develop physical and social skills through play and adding an extra
opportunity (accessible playground) for those that could use it would aid in development
just that much more.