Inclusive and accessible playgrounds have come a long way in the Calgary area over the last decade. Playgrounds with accessible flooring have become more common. More recently, playgrounds are being designed that not only allow access for people with mobility challenges, but are places that kids with diverse needs and abilities can truly enjoy and play with their friends.
\n \nA great inclusive playground not only allows children access to a playground, but considers their experience when they get there. This can include many different kinds of features, including swings and bouncers with back support, quiet zones, outdoor musical instruments, steps and ramps, play equipment at ground level, different textures, shade, and pathways.
\nHere is a list of some of the best inclusive playgrounds in the Calgary area:
\nShouldice Park Playground is one of the best inclusive playgrounds in Calgary. Kids of a wide range of ages and abilities will love exploring this playground.
\nThe playground is located in a really great park next to the river with multiple picnic spots, a seasonal washroom, and is connected to a pathway system.
\nThe playground features accessible flooring and an extensive ramp system.
\nIt offers tons of options for swinging, spinning, and bouncing, including two accessible swings and a tandem swing where two people can swing facing each other.
\nThe new inclusive playground and spray park has turned Somerset Park from a good park to a great park. The park has so much to offer and is a great place for a wide age range. It is one of the best all-around family fun parks in the city.
\nThe playground has some really great features such as the cool rope climber, which will be a hit with bigger kids, and the ground level merry-go-round, which all kids will love.
\nElliston Park is the home of Globalfest and is now also the home of a fun, new, and inclusive playground. The park is a great place for a family picnic, and the playground has a lot of popular features, like interesting climbing equipment, musical instruments, and a giant web climber.
\nThis playground is excellent and well thought out. It provides exciting and inclusive play opportunities for kids of all ages and abilities. The ramp system goes right up to the top (and is quite high). There is room to turn around along the way. There is accessible flooring throughout, with two different colors/textures which helps with navigation.
\nEdworthy Park has long been one of Calgarians’ favorite parks. The park is located along the river and has a lot of trees and picnic spaces. It is now even better with this new inclusive playground that fits right into the scenic backdrop.
\nSouth Glenmore Park was one of Calgary’s earliest inclusive playgrounds. The park has lovely views of the Glenmore Reservoir, a spray park, and a pump track on the west side. Recently, it has become even better with the addition of a new inclusive climber, ground level merry-go-round and a musical park just a short distance down a paved pathway.
\nThe setting of this playground is lovely and the park also has great access to the Elbow River. The playground has fun musical elements, a fun, four-person seated spinner, and a variety of swings. Note: the parking lot here is fairly small for the popularity of the park.
\nThis playground is located in a popular picnic park along the north side of the Glenmore Reservoir. There is a large variety of equipment that will appeal to both little kids and bigger kids, including a double zipline and musical features.
\nThis playground uses visual, auditory, and tactile features to help make a great playground for all kids. It also has some cool, inclusive features such as an accessible zipline and a tandem swing with an accessible seat.
\nThis eye-catching playground strives for accessibility, inclusiveness, and exciting play opportunities for everyone. It includes features like accessible flooring, a ramp system, an accessible tandem swing and spinner, tactile and musical elements, a saucer swing, a sway fun rocker, and a roller slide.
\nLocated near Vivo recreation centre, this new playground is a great new place to play. It boasts some cool climbing features, a ground-level merry-go-round, and a covered picnic area nearby.
\nThis park has two play spaces located on a hill connected with an accessible pathway. It has a ground level merry-go-round, a four-seater bouncer with back support, ground level music features, and a climber with a ramp system. It also has an awesome view of downtown.
\nOutside of Calgary
\nRiverside Park has a completely fenced, inclusive playground with a large covered picnic area right next to it. The playground features a ramp system, a roller slide, two saucer swings, and a tandem swing with an accessible seat.
\nA few years ago, this playground had some improvements installed, including new accessible flooring, musical features, spinners, and bouncers with back supports. This fall, the main climbing structure is being replaced and promises to be even more inclusive.
\nNew in 2024, Airdrie now boasts a new, inclusive playground in the community of Bayside. This playground features fully accessible flooring, ground level features including a merry-go-round, and a level roller slide.
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Dana searches out the best places to play, eat, and learn with her kids in Calgary, across Alberta, and beyond. Her three kids also contribute their unfiltered opinions to her reviews. To explore more, visit calgaryplaygroundreview.com.
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