There has been a tremendous increase in accessibility in both private and public spaces throughout the past few years. Curb cuts, ramps, and elevators are now common in many city locations, due to updates and revisions to the accessibility building codes. Despite the emphasis on accessibility in building codes, recreational spaces outside of buildings continue to be omitted from accessibility plans, resulting in how people with mobility impairments participate in very basic forms of outdoor activity. Although there are no apparent technology-based barriers to inclusion, it appears that planners have simply overlooked these environments.

Accessibility in Public Spaces Is Most Commonly Focused Upon Interior Space

The majority of conversations regarding accessibility are focused on interior access to buildings. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a primary example of accessibility regulatory frameworks that emphasize providing functional access to entranceways, restrooms, and offices located inside buildings. While the ADA provisions are important, they are extremely limited in scope and do not include the outdoor recreational components of buildings. Therefore, designers and other professionals may overlook the backyard landscaping, deck, pool, etc., in their inclusive design work and focus instead on merely complying with the requirements of the ADA. This illustrates a trend toward emphasizing compliance as opposed to incorporating comprehensive accessibility.

Outdoor Design Is Often Considered Optional

Outdoor areas are frequently categorized as amenities. Because they are not required for daily function in the same way as kitchens or bathrooms, they tend to receive less scrutiny. As a result, designers may view outdoor spaces as optional and may not incorporate accessibility design into their designs. Outdoor spaces present additional barriers to accessibility when the surface of the area is uneven or rough, the pathway to the space is ungraded, and there is insufficient adaptive seating available in the space. When accessibility is not integrated into the early stages of the design process, it is much more expensive to add accessibility at a later time.

Gaps in the Design Process: Pools, Yards, and Recreational Equipment

One of the repetitive problems encountered by people with disabilities is pool access. A large number of residential and community pools lack the features that would allow all people to use them safely. Pool ladders and ramps that provide support and entry options for people with disabilities are rarely installed unless specifically requested. The same is true for playgrounds, picnic areas, and patios. Raised thresholds, gravel surfaces, or narrow walkways create barriers to access. The gaps are created by the default design processes of designers that do not take into account the differing physical needs of various people.

Inclusion Improves Design for Everyone

Developing designs that accommodate accessibility not only benefits people with disabilities. Flat paths, wide clearances, and stable materials improve safety and usability for all users of outdoor spaces, including children and older adults. Integrating accessibility into outdoor spaces creates more flexible environments. Accessible recreational planning can include height-appropriate counters in outdoor kitchens, smooth transitions from interior to exterior flooring, and shaded, reachable seating. None of the changes described above are particularly complicated, or incompatible with the aesthetic goals of designers.

Conclusion

The outdoors is a normal part of our lives, not a luxury. Accessible yards, pools, and public recreation spaces are not commonly developed because they are not perceived as an essential element. This perception of accessibility results in limiting the opportunity for participation and enjoyment. Incorporating accessible design elements into outdoor spaces does not require a major renovation of existing structures. Awareness of the need for accessibility during the design process is the only requirement to make outdoor environments usable by a larger portion of the population. It is a small but positive change in the lives of elderly adults, children, and disabled people, making accessibility for the enjoyment of recreational activities possible for everyone.