Article by 

Carter Clark

Two parallel ramps with green frames and orange wavy panels showing circular activity sensors and labeled arrows for 'COLOR WHEEL SENSOR' and 'BELLS'

Lot's of playground companies think that if you make a playground accessible, it's inclusive. That's not the case. Accessibility does not guarantee inclusion.

You can put mobility device accessible ramps and transfer platforms everywhere on your playground, but if you aren't also including activities or equipment that accommodate mobility devices, your playground is accessible and NOT inclusive. We call these scenarios "ramps to nowhere", and it's really sad to see.

But the news isn't all bad.

With equipment pieces like GameTime's Sensory Wave Ramp, you won't have to worry about "ramps to nowhere".

So what is the sensory wave ramp? It's similar to the GameTime Sensory Wave® Climber in that it can be outfitted with sensory adaptive switches. These adaptive switches are pictured here:


Pictured: the giggle box and color wheel adaptive switches

But the key difference between the two is that the wave climber can be used as a deck-to-deck, ground-to-deck, or free-standing climber, whereas the sensory wave ramp is used to provide an accessible and inclusive access platform to the playground structure.

The wave ramp has been a game-changer in providing additional accessible, inclusive, and sensory-rich play elements to our playground designs. The beauty of the Wave Climber is it's two-in-one inclusive and accessible design. It's removes the "ramp to nowhere" problem while providing individuals not just in mobility devices, but individuals with other disabilities the ability to play while benefiting from sensory development.

Are you designing an inclusive playground? The sensory wave ramp pairs very well with GameTime's Vista Rope Climbing Systems (the product line includes the industry's first climber with a transfer platform attached to an accessible route leading to a six-foot zip slide.

Extra width better accommodates mobility devices of almost any size

The sensory wave ramp is suited for kids aged 2-12 years old. Interacting with the various sensors provides tactile and auditory input, which helps children explore different sensations and textures. Watching the visual sensors can be a calming experience as well as helping to develop eye muscles to follow moving objects.

Pictured: the color wheel adaptive switch

If you're interested in including the Sensory Wave Ramp in your upcoming playground, or you want to add it to your existing playground, contact us.

Article by 

Carter Clark

Partner
 at 
Park N Play Design

Carter Clark is the Marketing Director and Co-Owner of Park N Play Design, one of Canada’s leading firms specializing in the design and construction of inclusive and accessible playgrounds and parks. With more than two decades of company experience behind the organization, Carter works closely with designers, manufacturers, and community partners to help municipalities, schools, and organizations plan play spaces that serve entire communities.

Through his work with Park N Play Design, Carter has contributed to the planning and development of thousands of play environments across Canada, ranging from traditional playgrounds and natural play spaces to splash parks, skateparks, pump tracks, and outdoor fitness areas. His focus is on helping communities create spaces that are safe, inclusive, developmentally meaningful, and built to perform for decades.

Carter regularly writes about playground planning, inclusive design, community engagement, and best practices for developing successful park and recreation projects. His work helps community leaders better understand the planning, funding, and design decisions that lead to successful play environments.