Design Playgrounds
That Include Everyone—and Engage Every Sense

Park N Play Design pioneered inclusive play in Canada. Today, we go beyond accessibility by creating sensory-rich environments that support physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development for children of all ages and abilities.

Most Playgrounds
Are Built for Some. Not for All.

When “inclusion” stops at wheelchair ramps, too many kids are left out. Children with sensory processing needs, cognitive differences, or communication challenges deserve more than just access—they deserve play that’s meaningful, developmentally appropriate, and joyful.

Building the wrong playground means wasted budget, community frustration, and a missed opportunity to truly serve your school, city, or center.

Canada’s Leader in Inclusive Playground Design 

With over 20 years of experience and partnerships with PlayCore and Utah State University, Park N Play Design has helped set the national benchmark for inclusive play. Our work is grounded in research, guided by the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design™, and recognized through National Demonstration Site (NDS) designations.

Out of all the tens of thousands of playgrounds and parks across Canada, only a small percentage of them are inclusive, accessible, and designed for use by the entire community.

While it's easier than ever to get a cookie-cutter design for your upcoming project, it's harder than ever to build a playground or park that can serve the entire community for decades to come. We're on a mission to change that.

Most organizations have two challenges when it comes to building inclusive and accessible playgrounds and parks.

  • Understanding the latest safety, accessibility, and inclusivity regulations and best practices

  • Choosing the right equipment and designs for your specific school, community, or park

That's why we built Park N Play Design—to give organizations like yours a partner that you can trust to deliver a top-notch playground or park that meets the needs of those using it.

In the last twenty years we've helped thousands of organizations (like yours) design, build, and install 5000+ playgrounds and parks. I'd love for you to be our next success story.

Michelle Poffenroth

Michelle Poffenroth

Founder & President of Park N Play Design

Our process

A Better Playground Starts With a Better Process

01

Book a Discovery Call

We listen to your goals, your budget, and your community’s unique needs.

02

Design With Purpose

We craft CSA-compliant, inclusive layouts based on evidence and best practices.

03

Build a Space That Serves Everyone

From tactile pathways to sensory zones, we ensure no child is left out.

We don’t guess.
We design with intention:

Certified partner for National Demonstration Site (NDS) recognition

Rooted in the 7 Principles of Inclusive Design™, developed with Utah State University

ADA Compliant

Includes options for tactile play, motion-based regulation, quiet zones, and social learning

Supported by Initial Impact and Visitor Outcomes Reports—data you can share with councils, PACs, and funders

Case studies

Successful inclusive projects

Nose Creek Park Inclusive Playground (Airdrie, AB)

North Glenmore Inclusive Playground (Calgary, AB )

Happy child playing on a swing

Why Schools, Cities, and Healthcare Leaders Choose Park N Play Design

Supports physical, sensory, emotional, and cognitive development

CSA-Z614, ANNEX H, and AODA compliant designs

Designed for all ages and abilities—from toddlers to teens

Sensory integration: tactile, auditory, visual, and vestibular elements

Budget-conscious solutions without compromising impact

Inclusive surfacing + transfer-free access zones

Trusted by over 5,000 communities across Canada

Testimonials

Trusted by organizations across Canada to deliver real inclusion

"We recently had Park N Play install a new playground, and we couldn't be happier with the end result! The kids are having a blast, and the new playground is full every recess. Bob, Dustin, and the rest of the installation team were such a pleasure to work with. They were patient and clear in their instructions, always willing to discuss and explain what was going on, and most importantly, they were just fun to work with. Our Sales rep, Shelley, made sure everything went smoothly. We are so happy with the final result. I am happy to speak positively about my experience with you to anyone who asks! Thanks Park N Play Design!"
– 
Colette Lavallée
Director of Education
Saskatchewan French Language School Board
“I cannot say how pleased I am with the results of what Park N Play Design has come up with for our community. Your team addressed all our requests and provided two amazing options for us. As the saying goes, “you hit the nail on the head”. Excellent job, Park N Play Design. Please give yourselves a big pat on the back from Heritage Hills Housing Co-op. In addition to the amazing parks you came up with, I would also like to add a thanks for the information you have on your site. It has saved me personally hours and hours of time looking for this information on my own. It has been such a pleasure thus far.”
– 
Sam Hansen
VP Maintenance
Heritage Hills Housing Cooperative
"The customer service from my Park N Play Design Sales rep, Bob, was
excellent. Bob goes the extra mile to ensure the highest quality playground is delivered to the community. The delivery and installation process went smoothly, and the project schedule from Park N Play was executed perfectly. I am more than satisfied with the completed project."
– 
Andrew Bialek
Superintendent of Parks
City of Greater Sudbury
“We chose Park N Play Design for our playground structure because of the superb and consistent customer service, the ability to achieve our goal on a fast timeline, and his professionalism in handling all the changes we requested. Park N Play Design and their design team put together a playground which is exciting, challenging and engaging. The feedback from the students, teachers, parents, and staff have been nothing but positive! We wholeheartedly recommend Park N Play Design. If we are to build another playground I wouldn’t hesitate to have them come in and design it!”
– 
Bonnie deGroot
Playground Committee Member
Clearwater Academy
"Park N Play Design was extremely helpful through the entire process. They were able to come up with solutions, modifications, and excellent results for our purchase. The quality of service and equipment provided by Park N Play Design is top-notch, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Park N Play Design's services to a friend or colleague."
– 
Steve Woloshyn
Capital Campaign Officer
Aberdeen Hall School
“Shelley and the rest of the team at Park N Play Design work as valuable team members on my projects and not only entertain my sometimes crazy ideas but work with me to make award-winning realities. I need a team that puts the same excitement, dedication and passion into my projects as I do. Park N Play Design definitely exemplifies that.”
– 
Amber Lyons
Senior Landscape Architect
Stantec
“The finished product is now one of the most beautiful parks in town, in my opinion, and from community feedback. From the town’s hassle-free experience with this project, I would not hesitate to highly recommend Bob and his crew at Park N Play Design for any park design and play structure construction that you may be considering.”
– 
Jim Moss
Director of Development and Operations
Town of Shelburne
"My best summation of the Kinglet playground would be that it was a great collaboration of playground elements and design intent, along with a flawless installation leading to a fantastic playground and incredibly happy client and consultant."
– 
Jordan Gulayets
Landscape Architect Manager
WSP
"Park N Play Design was quick to respond, provided lots of follow-ups, and cared about our experience. This was the best communication I've ever had for a playground project, and it was just a small addition. I've spent over $100K on a playground before with competitors and never got this kind of service!"
– 
Angela Magon
Abbotsford School District
Terry Fox Elementary, British Columbia
"Thank you very much to you and your staff for an outstanding job on this project. James, Josh, and Jaimie were exceptional to work with throughout the installation of the playground. Their dedication to making everything 100% is refreshing to see. The attention to detail on the install has been as good as any project that I have been involved in over the past 30 years. Great job!  Please feel free to use me as a reference at any time."
– 
Steve Davison
Parkland Playground Consulting
"Parents and families have been thrilled with the support and communication from Park and Play Design. It is a pleasure to work with Shelley, and she always strives to meet the needs of our school community."
– 
Jolene Thompson
Edmonton Catholic School Division
"Over the last 4 years, The MBTW Group has worked closely with Park N’ Play as they have assisted us with designs, tender packages and installations of play equipment and site furnishings for many diverse projects. One of the most recent is the Southeast Community Centre & Park redevelopment in Oakville, Ontario.
Park N Play Design provides a very collaborative and informative design process, and they are definitely engaged and attentive to our final overall design objectives for our projects. Their staff are very prompt and thorough with any inquiries or any discussion items we have brought to their attention, including any critical on-site construction issues that require immediate and definitive action on their part."
– 
Graham Carr
Senior Project Manager
The MBTW Group
"I have worked with Shelley Robinson at Park N Play Design on numerous school projects, both during the design process and throughout the construction of the project. One project we worked closely on was John Dolan School Playground in Saskatoon, where we worked with Park N Play Design to provide a base design for the school tender and worked closely during the construction period once awarded. This project was the first of its kind in Saskatchewan, being fully inclusive and wheelchair accessible for the needs of the School staff and students. During this project, Shelley’s expertise in playground design and inclusive play were renowned and is exemplified in her ability to provide guidance during the design process and her ability to respond to questions and concerns concerning playground systems, equipment and surfacing with confidence."
– 
Michelle Tusin
CSLA
Crosby Hanna & Associates
"Tim was instrumental in assisting our school community with the initial planning, design, budget and implementation of our school playground project. From the initial tendering process through to assistance in planning our site, he provided not only expected support but also his own personal involvement in the project on-site. Every step of the way was provided for us in terms of instructions and completeness of the project.
We never felt left alone and were amazed at the resources that were given to us. I would not hesitate to recommend him or Park N Play Design for any project, large or small, where safety, planning and future needs are discussed and encouraged."
– 
Scott Hickling
Executive Director
Calgary Christian School

Inclusion Isn’t an Option. It’s a Standard.

We help you create playgrounds that reflect the diversity of your community and honor the developmental needs of every child. Whether you’re replacing outdated equipment or starting from scratch, we’ll guide you to a solution that’s beautiful, functional, and equitable.

Comparison chart

At Park N Play Design, we don't just meet the standards—we raise them. This comparison shows how our Certified & Evidence-Based Inclusion Best Practices go beyond Annex H and CSA Z614:20.

Category
CSA Z614:20
Annex H
Park N Play Design
Physical Accessibility
⚠️
(limited)
⚠️
(limited)
✅✅
Accessible Surfacing
❎
✅
✅✅
Barrier-Free Routes
❎
✅
✅✅
Elevated Play Access
❎
✅
(50% min)
✅✅
Ground-Level Play Value
❎
✅
(some)
✅✅
(equal value)
Sensory Engagement
❎
❎
✅✅
Social Inclusion
❎
❎
✅✅
Physical Development
❎
❎
✅✅
Social-Emotional Development
❎
❎
✅✅
Cognitive Development
❎
❎
✅✅
Sensory Development
❎
❎
✅✅
Communicative Development
❎
❎
✅✅
Visual/Communication Supports
❎
❎
✅✅
Community Customization
⚠️
(general)
❎
✅✅
(site-specific)
Belonging & Dignity Focus
❎
❎
✅✅
(core mission)
5270+ successful projects completed

Let’s Build a Playground That Leaves No One Behind

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