Tag Archives: inclusive playground design

Big Play for Small Explorers: Introducing Smart Play® Volo Pico+™

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Young children are capable of incredible things. They’re natural explorers, eager problem-solvers and fearless adventurers. Yet playground equipment designed for ages 2 to 5 doesn’t always reflect their growing abilities or curiosity.

At Landscape Structures, we believe early childhood playgrounds should offer more than a few steps, slides and activity panels. They should inspire children to explore, challenge themselves, connect with others and discover what they’re capable of.

That’s why we introduced Smart Play® Volo Pico+™, a first-of-its-kind play experience that reimagines what’s possible for children ages 2 to 5.

Part of our innovative Smart Play family, Volo Pico+ combines inclusive design, age-appropriate challenges and immersive play opportunities in one compact structure. With 21 fully connected activities and endless ways to explore, it delivers big play for small explorers.

Playground Equipment for Ages 2 to 5, Reimagined

Between ages 2 and 5, children experience tremendous physical, cognitive, sensory and social-emotional development. They’re building coordination, testing their balance, developing problem-solving skills and learning how to interact with the world around them.

Playgrounds play an important role in supporting these developmental milestones. To do so, they must give children opportunities to explore at their own pace. At the same time, children need challenges that match their growing abilities.

Too often, playground equipment for younger children offers limited opportunities for discovery. As their confidence and abilities grow, children may lose interest and gravitate toward equipment intended for older kids.

Volo Pico+ takes a different approach.

Rather than prescribing how children should move through the structure, its open-format design invites them to create their own adventures. Multiple entry points and varying levels of challenge allow children to choose their own routes and discover new possibilities with every visit. It’s a play experience that meets children where they are while encouraging them to see how far they can go.

One Net. A Whole New Way to Play.

At the heart of Volo Pico+ is our proprietary LSI Flexx® Net, an innovative, steel-reinforced cable matrix that connects the entire structure.

Unlike traditional playground platforms and stairs, the LSI Flexx Net offers more ways to play. Children can climb, crawl, roll, bounce, balance or simply relax. Plus, the interconnected design encourages movement and makes it easy to explore activities throughout the structure.

And there’s plenty to discover along the way.

Integrated puzzles, diecast car tracks and other hands-on activities encourage fine motor development, imaginative play and problem-solving. Children can move between active physical challenges and quieter moments of exploration. As a result, they experience play that engages both body and mind.

With 21 fully connected activities, Volo Pico+ packs exceptional play value into a compact footprint. During early play testing, families saw the benefits of inclusive play firsthand. For example, Carly’s mother watched her daughter explore the structure with growing confidence. Even more exciting, Carly demonstrated abilities her family had never seen before.

“It wasn’t just about accessibility,” explained Jeannie Beck, Carly’s mom. “It was about giving Carly the opportunity to fully participate, explore, gain confidence and simply play. Watching her discover what she was capable of was a moment we’ll never forget.”

Different Paths. New Discoveries. Endless Possibilities.

Every child develops differently. That’s why inclusive playground design is about more than providing access. It’s about creating meaningful opportunities for children with different abilities, interests and comfort levels to participate.

Volo Pico+ supports a wide range of developmental experiences:

  • Physical development: Climbing, balancing and navigating the net encourage coordination, motor planning, strength and agility.
  • Sensory exploration: Movement, textures and visual elements engage multiple sensory systems, including tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive senses.
  • Cognitive development: Puzzles, pathways and open-ended activities invite problem-solving, decision-making and creative thinking.
  • Social-emotional development: Shared play experiences encourage cooperation, communication and connections with other children.

Its approachable scale and varied access routes help children explore with confidence. The design also provides space for caregivers to enter the structure and engage alongside young children, supporting shared moments of play and discovery.

The result is an ADA-compliant play environment that celebrates different ways of playing and growing.

21 Activities. One Surprisingly Small Footprint.

For landscape architects, park and recreation professionals and school planners, Volo Pico+ offers an exciting way to bring developmentally appropriate play to early childhood environments.

Its compact footprint maximizes play opportunities while minimizing the amount of safety surfacing required. Preconfigured designs simplify planning, with options for integrated shade to help protect children from UV exposure and keep them cooler.

A variety of color choices also makes it easy to complement the surrounding landscape or create a distinctive visual identity.

And for communities planning playgrounds that serve multiple age groups, Volo Pico+ pairs naturally with Smart Play Volo® and Volo Aire®. Together, these structures can create a visually cohesive playground destination with engaging experiences for children at different stages of development.

Big Moves. Small Discoveries. Real Development.

Young children don’t need smaller expectations. They need playgrounds that recognize their abilities, spark their curiosity and give them room to grow.

With Volo Pico+, we’re challenging traditional ideas about early childhood playground design and creating new opportunities for children ages 2 to 5 to explore. Because when we give little kids big opportunities to play, there’s no telling what they’ll discover.

Explore Smart Play Volo Pico+ and discover a new perspective on playground equipment for ages 2 to 5.

Frequently Asked Questions about Volo Pico+

1. What makes Volo Pico+ different from traditional playground equipment for ages 2 to 5?

Smart Play Volo Pico+ features 21 interconnected activities, a central LSI Flexx Net and multiple access points that encourage child-directed exploration rather than prescribed play routes.

2. How does Volo Pico+ support early childhood development?

Volo Pico+ combines climbing, balancing, puzzles, car tracks and social play to encourage physical, cognitive, sensory and social-emotional development in children ages 2 to 5.

3. Can Volo Pico+ be incorporated into a larger playground?

Yes. Volo Pico+ can complement Smart Play Volo and Volo Aire, helping create a visually cohesive playground environment with developmentally appropriate experiences for different age groups.

15 Projects That Show What’s Possible Through Custom Play Space Design

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Great play space design starts with more than choosing playground, splash play or shade equipment. It starts with understanding the place, the people who will use it and the experience a community wants to create.

That idea is at the heart of the 2027 PLAY Book, our annual collection of standout playground, splash play and shade designs from across the country. This year’s edition features 15 projects that demonstrate how custom play space design and collaboration can transform outdoor spaces into memorable community destinations.

From imaginative custom playgrounds to environments that seamlessly bring together play, water and shade, each project offers a different answer to the same question:

What’s possible when great design leads the way?

Creating custom play space designs with a sense of place

Playgrounds have an important role in placemaking. A thoughtfully designed play environment reinforces the identity of a park, complements the surrounding landscape and helps turn an outdoor space into a destination where people want to gather.

That connection to place takes many forms throughout the 2027 PLAY Book.

At Redwood Park in Apple Valley, Minn., an imaginative ocean-inspired environment transforms the playground into an adventure, complete with a giant Kraken, lighthouse and lifeguard station. Beyond its visual impact, the design combines imaginative, physical and inclusive play opportunities to create a gathering place designed for the entire community.

In Boston, Clifford Playground uses art to become play. Inspired by the tools and imagination of an urban artist, the colorful custom playground carries its creative theme throughout the play space, from oversized paint-inspired elements to vibrant surfacing and opportunities for sensory, imaginative and shared play. The result shows how customization can do more than create visual impact. It can give a playground a distinct identity and turn a community gathering place into an experience all its own.

The results look completely different, and that’s the point. Custom play space design creates opportunities to tell the story of a place rather than simply fill its footprint.

Designing for more ways to play

Great design also considers how children experience a space.

Physical challenge is important, but play can also encourage imagination, problem-solving, sensory exploration. It can create opportunities for social interaction and moments to pause and recharge. Designing for varied experiences also helps more children find their way into play. This includes children of different ages, interests and abilities.

Inclusive playground design is part of that thinking from the beginning. It means considering access alongside the variety, challenge and developmental value of the experiences available throughout the space.

Across the 15 projects featured in the PLAY Book, those principles take different forms. There are spaces to climb high, move fast and test new skills, alongside opportunities for imaginative, sensory and social play. Together, they create environments that invite children to explore in their own ways and return to discover something new.

Looking beyond the playground

Some of the most compelling outdoor recreation spaces happen when playground equipment is considered as one part of a larger experience.

District 1876 Park in Coleman, Texas, illustrates that approach. Contemporary playground equipment works alongside an Aquatix® splash pad and SkyWays® shade to create a cohesive destination for the community. The park demonstrates how playground, splash play and shade can work together to extend the experience and create a comfortable gathering place for children and families.

Landscape architects and park and recreation professionals can consider how each element connects to the surrounding site. Color, materials and landscaping all contribute to the overall experience. Likewise, shade and water can help create a cohesive environment. Together, these elements create a space that feels intentional rather than assembled one piece at a time.

Collaboration turns ideas into destinations

Behind every distinctive play space is a collaborative design process.

Landscape Structures was founded by a landscape architect, and for more than 50 years, we’ve worked alongside landscape architects, designers, park and recreation professionals, and communities to bring their ideas to life.

Sometimes that means collaborating from the earliest sketches to develop a fully custom playground. Other times, it means providing design tools, planning resources, product expertise and inspiration that allow designers to lead the vision. There is no single path to a successful play environment because there is no single community, site or project goal.

That collaborative approach is reflected throughout the 2027 PLAY Book. In fact, the 15 featured projects vary in scale, style and setting, each demonstrates how thoughtful choices can create spaces that support community goals while delivering meaningful play experiences.

Find inspiration for your next play space

The 2027 PLAY Book is ultimately about possibilities.

Explore all 15 custom playground, splash play and shade projects, discover details worth a closer look and find inspiration for your next park, playground or outdoor recreation space. Prefer a copy you can keep nearby as you plan your next project? Request a PLAY Book.

See the 2027 PLAY Book in action.

A Fresh Look for a Classic Favorite: Meet the Refreshed PlayBooster® Panels!

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It all started with a simple, curious question from a child on the playground: “Why is there a fish in my treehouse?”

That moment made us smile. And made us think. Sometimes, the best innovations are sparked by the most unexpected questions. And in this case, it inspired us to reimagine some of the most beloved parts of our playground legacy.

So, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. The result? A new look and feel for our refreshed PlayBooster panels and climber and handhold combinations. These are now designed to be more inviting, imaginative and aligned with today’s play needs.

Thoughtfully Redesigned. Endlessly Fun.

We know that PlayBooster has been at the heart of our playgrounds for years. That’s why this update is more than just a visual refresh, it’s a purposeful evolution.

The refreshed Permalene® panels now feature soft curves and friendly forms, creating a more welcoming experience for kids. Updated shapes, playful artwork, and modern color accents make each panel a feast for the eyes and the imagination. Every design choice reflects the signature style you expect from Landscape Structures with a playful twist.

“We wanted to keep the spirit of PlayBooster alive while giving it a fresh, modern voice,” said Scott Roschi, creative director at Landscape Structures. “And of course, we made sure the updates add even more opportunities for kids to play and explore.”

What’s New (and What You’ll Love)

Here’s what’s included in this exciting refresh:

  • 27 redesigned Permalene® panels
  • An updated combination of handholds and climbers with updated forms that integrate seamlessly with existing structures
  • Visual compatibility with previous designs, so mixing old with new is smooth and stylish

We’ve made sure that upgrading your existing playground is simple and stress-free. Whether you’re updating a single element or going for a full refresh, the new pieces blend beautifully with what’s already in place.

Updated Symbol Communication Sign: More Inclusive Than Ever

We didn’t stop with panels and climbers. We also gave the Symbol Communication Sign a thoughtful makeover.

Now featuring a modern round post, a GeoPlex®-style clamp and a lower-to-the-ground design, the updated sign is easier for all children to access. Plus, it’s now available in English/English or English/Spanish, supporting even more inclusion on the playground.

Inspired by Kids. Designed for the Future.

This PlayBooster refresh reminds us that play is always evolving, and so are we. Whether it’s a question about a fish in a treehouse or feedback from kids on the playground, we’re always listening, learning and creating with intention.

These updates reflect our commitment to inspiring joyful play, nurturing imagination and designing with inclusion at the heart of it all.

Ready to refresh your playground? Explore the refreshed PlayBooster panels and climber and handhold combos and see how a small update can make a big difference.

Meet the Jr. Play Team: Champions of Inclusive Play

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At Landscape Structures, inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s a promise. It’s a mindset that drives everything we do from design and development to the fun that happens on the playground. At the heart of this mission is a group of kids we call the Jr. Play Team, and we’re thrilled to introduce you to them!

This group of kids from the Twin Cities are helping us create a more inclusive world of play. They bring their lived experience and insight to help us build playgrounds that welcome everyone.

Designed by kids, for all kids

The Jr. Play Team is made up of children with a range of physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities. They bring invaluable feedback to our product development process. Through real-time play and honest conversation, they help us uncover what works, what needs improvement, and—most importantly—how play can feel more inclusive for every child.

“It’s not just about watching them play,” says Jill Moore, inclusive play specialist at Landscape Structures. “It’s about listening, observing, and learning from the kids and their caregivers. They show us what true inclusivity looks like in action.”

Playground testing, the Jr. Play Team way

Throughout 2024, the Jr. Play Team gathered to test prototype equipment, share their experiences and have a lot of fun. We invited the kids and their caregivers to engage with new designs while our team observed their movement, reactions and comfort levels.

Sometimes it was clear where the kids gravitated naturally. Other times, we watched closely as they struggled or hesitated, and we turned those moments into opportunities to do better.

Take our new product, Volo Aire™. During testing, some children who needed assistance climbing up to the second level loved lying on the net and feeling the movement of others around them. But when it was time to go, parents found it difficult to help them climb back down. The solution? Add slides at the second level, offering a fun and easy way out for anyone—regardless of ability. This thoughtful fix didn’t just support accessibility, it made the experience better for all kids while also providing a more comfortable and feasible option for the caregivers as well.

A president with a purpose: Meet John Buettner

In our latest video, you’ll meet John Buettner, president of the Jr. Play Team, as he shares what inclusion means to him. With wisdom and warmth beyond his years, John gives voice to the power of designing with—not just for—children with disabilities. Watch the video and see how the Jr. Play Team is shaping the future of play.

More than a team—a movement

The Jr. Play Team is more than just a group of play testers. They’re leaders, innovators and advocates for the kind of playgrounds we all want to see in our communities: welcoming, adventurous and truly inclusive.

Their ideas spark innovation. Their feedback helps shape our products. And their joy reminds us why we do what we do.

Know a kid who would love to help shape the future of play? We’re always looking to add to the Landscape Structures Jr. Play Team. If you know someone who’s passionate about inclusive play and making a difference, fill out this form and let the fun begin!

Meet Our Guest Blogger: Ariel Mansholt—An Advocate for Inclusion, On and Off the Playground

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We’re excited to introduce our guest blogger for Autism Awareness Month, Ariel Mansholt. She is an inclusive play specialist at Landscape Structures and a practicing occupational therapist in a Kansas school district. Ariel brings a rare and powerful dual perspective—professional expertise and personal experience—to the work of inclusive playground design, which welcomes children of all abilities.

Ariel’s passion for inclusive playground design is deeply rooted in her own childhood. She grew up with her older brother, Derek, who has autism, and her early experiences with him shaped not only her understanding of neurodiversity but also her career path. From swinging in the backyard—the place where Derek communicated most freely—to navigating local parks that didn’t meet his sensory needs, Ariel saw firsthand how the built environment can either open doors or create barriers for kids like her brother.

Now, through her work in both occupational therapy and inclusive playground design, Ariel helps shape play environments that support every child. Her story, Derek & Me, is a heartfelt reflection on family, inclusion and the power of thoughtful design. We’re honored to share her voice and vision with you.

Derek & Me—A guest post for Autism Awareness Month

Growing up things in my house looked a little different than that of my friends. My house was filled with binders that had pictures on them used to communicate, visual schedules, way more toy garbage trucks than one could ever possibly play with and very detailed routines. As I grew up, some of these items changed. The garbage trucks turned into K’NEX then into computer games. The one thing that did not change was the structured routines.

Every day after school, my mom and Derek would show us the new pictures added to his book with the accompanying sign. As we continued to grow up, Derek began communicating verbally. Following this shift, our after-school family time migrated to outside on our backyard swing set, which was always the place my brother was the most verbal. I then came to the age of wanting to learn how to ride a bike and so did Derek.

My path to occupational therapy

This was my first introduction to the world of occupational therapy. Our new routine included many activities outside that I later came to know worked on bilateral coordination and motor planning. It was after this preview to occupational therapy that I began to question more of the why behind the differences between my family and others. That’s when I learned about my brother’s diagnosis of autism and that his brain worked differently than mine did.

I had access to resources and books that allowed me to learn more about this diagnosis and become an advocate of Derek’s. The way that Derek’s brain works allows him to be super detail oriented and great at remembering specific things, skills that he has used to pursue a career in the culinary industry. My desire to pursue a career in occupational therapy came largely from my experiences with my brother. However, now being in my career for nearly 2.5 years, I can say that it truly is my dream career.

Bringing my perspectives to inclusive playground design

As an occupational therapist, I have worked in an outpatient setting as well as a school district helping children with a variety of diagnoses learn and acquire new skills. Additionally, I have been working with Landscape Structures Inc. to use my professional and personal lenses to create spaces where kids of all abilities and their families can connect.

From backyard joy to public spaces

These opportunities have challenged me to think back to Derek on the swing or our backyard pool and remember how much joy these experiences brought to not only Derek but my family. However, if we navigated to the local park or pool all of the joy was lost from these experiences. It often turned into heightened emotions and hurriedly getting back into the car and driving home. A lot of the difficulty was largely due to the increase in sensory stimulation within the environment. Reflecting on those experiences and seeing how far we’ve come brings a smile to my face. We are seeing an increase in neurodivergent affirming practice and designing our environment to support the needs of all, rather than a few.

Why inclusive playground design matters

Someone asked me recently about my thoughts on how designing an environment to support children of all abilities has impacted kids’ learning and overall growth. I think the impact has been tremendous—more social connections, more play opportunities and more physical activity. A child’s main occupation is to play. It’s how they learn! Designing spaces that support emotional regulation—especially for children with autism—helps them stay and engage longer. Staying longer gives children more chances to engage with peers and build social connections—something my brother has recently taken an interest in. Because the environment didn’t support his regulation, Derek missed out on core moment to engage with friends. Today, with more intentional design this is an opportunity we can create for today’s kids.

Having a range of complexity in our designs can also speak to the varying skill levels when it comes to motor skills for the autism population. The incorporation of climbers and net structures challenges motor planning and allows kids to work on that brain and body connection. When design has intentionality behind it and allows children of all abilities to play, the outcome is truly great. I have seen this with kids that I currently work with. When providing treatment on an inclusive playground, I see the joy and autonomy it brings along with social connections and opportunities for skill acquisition.

As an adult who enjoys the playgrounds as much as the kids, thanks for always wanting to inspire the fun that is at the heart of play. I know that younger Derek and Ariel would’ve had the BEST time at all of the playgrounds we’re designing today.

Encouraging play and communication on the playground

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Playground design has been evolving to become more inclusive and inviting for children and their caregivers of all abilities. Play is not only fun, but it’s also an essential part of a child’s development and critical for the successful growth of both the brain and the body.

That’s why we’ve drawn on the expertise of child development professionals to help us explore new avenues that allow for all children to fully participate in play together. Our work doesn’t just focus on playstructures and activities that are accessible to children with physical disabilities, but also those who may have sight or hearing impairment, intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities.

Symbol Communication Sign

For individuals who are non-verbal, speech-challenged or early-learners—or perhaps are non-English speaking—their inability to share ideas, feelings and needs can be frustrating and may keep them from socializing with others at the playground. That’s why we’ve introduced the new Symbol Communication Sign to be placed at the entrance to play areas, which will ensure every child, family member and caregiver is allowed to further their expression, interaction and communication.

With guidance from experts in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Inclusive Design, we developed the Symbol Communication Sign to include pictures representing nouns/pronouns, verbs, feelings, activities, and playground events as well as letters and numbers. The graphics are universally understandable and easy to use, arranged left-to-right as one would build a sentence and use industry-standard colors representing different types of words. The DigiFuse® graphics are printed on both sides of the Symbol Communication Sign.

We’re committed to providing play experiences for children of all abilities. Our inclusive play design philosophy, which addresses the accessibility, age and developmental appropriateness, and sensory-stimulating activity, and other inclusive play product innovations like the We-Go-Swing®, We-Go-Round®, We-saw™, OmniSpin® spinner and Sway Fun® glider, we’re helping bring children with and without special needs together to play, learn and grow on the playground. Learn more at playlsi.com.

Celebrating Sensory Awareness Month 2020

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The disruption of the coronavirus pandemic has been tough on everyone including kids. As children safely resume outdoor play, each child will experience the playground differently. For kids with sensory processing challenges—5 to 16% of school-aged children—regulating their bodies and emotions through play is especially critical.

For Sensory Awareness Month, which is in October, we’re sharing the importance of creating inclusive playground environments.

According to Virginia Spielmann, executive director at the STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder, for many kids with sensory processing difficulties, a traditional playground doesn’t offer the same opportunities to master physical challenges, gain social confidence or hone fine motor skills.

To highly sensitive children, the intense experiences of a playground like the spin of a merry-go-round or the tussle of kids on the monkey bars can feel like an assault on their senses. In other cases, children may seek out external stimulation.

“Kids may react strongly and with enthusiasm to this external stimuli, or they may retreat,” explained Spielmann. “And often, they can’t match the motor skills of other children, which makes them feel even more different and isolated—especially on a traditional playground.”

The right play equipment can make all the difference. And today’s thoughtfully designed playgrounds have evolved into places that foster all-sensory experiences for every child.

At Landscape Structures, our product and playground designers are educated and interested in how kids with special needs experience the world, which informs their approach and designs—and makes an enormous difference in the final product.

That insight translates to subtle equipment details in materials, shapes, movement or orientation. For example, a playstructure with built-in tactile elements invites children to explore a variety of textures and shapes and helps them to integrate multiple tactile experiences.

We can also design playstructures to offer a variety of interactive panels in a variety of positions—including musical or auditory components. Our inclusive playgrounds also incorporate quiet, cozy spaces where overstimulated kids can go for a calming escape to regain their equilibrium and recharge.

There are many other ways that playground design can invite children of all abilities to play, explore and learn with confidence. Learn more about designing inclusive playgrounds to meet the needs of your community at playlsi.com. And learn more about sensory processing and how to help spread awareness for it at spdstar.org.

Creating an Inclusive Play Movement

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Recreation Management kicked off its new Webinar Educational Series in February, which was designed to provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the top issues and challenges in the recreation industry. We’re proud to have sponsored the first webinar in the series, which discussed the best ways to bring inclusive play from imagination to reality.

Athan Downs, San Ramon, Calif.

Experts discussed methods for creating effective public/private partnerships, building funding and support for inclusive play, and ensuring that playground designs are truly inclusive—along with ways to facilitate playing together among children and caregivers of all abilities. Watch the recording, and then visit playlsi.com to learn more about our commitment to inclusive play.