Swinging Options

Swinging is a hugely popular play expereince that children seek in playspaces. Swinging can be experienced using manufactured components or through the use of loose parts, and ropes thrown over branches in natural playsapces.

Issues that arise in providing for play value in swinging:

• Swing layout: the infant and large swing seats are often located in different areas, resulting in segregation based on age. Swings are often separated from others, eg in the case of wheelchair swings being cordoned off in  a separate part of a playspace.
• Swing access:, inaccessible surfacing (bark mulch) and the absence of pathways or the presence of steps leading to swings.
• Swing usability: only one type of swing seat (the traditional flat bench-type seat. Poorly fitted swing seats that are too high to climb into or onto independently

Successful design for inclusion:

Playspaces need to consider offering varied opportunities for swinging.

• Ensure the pathways to the swing are accesible and level
• Provide diverse seat sizes and widths: These should include small enclosed toddler seats and wide seats large enough for an adult, who may need to hold a child on their lap or indeed, who enjoy swinging also: swing seats need to be accessible for people of different heights and sizes.
• Provide seats with extra support: Seats can be added that include a backrest or arm rests for children who need extra physical support.
• Provide seats that increase chances of socialising:
  • Bucket swing seats are also successful for inclusive design because they are more accessible than traditional swing seats: you can use them in a seated/ lying position. In addition, bucket swing seats can be used by more than one person at a time, which allows for social interaction.
  • Shared swing seats are also of value as they allowing for intergenerational use and encouraging social interaction (see figure 1).
• Consider swing layout for social inclusion: Social interaction can be facilitated and enhanced by arranging swings in a circular fashion or together in one area (see figure 2)
• Consider the swing seat height– often the solution of a bucket swing is thought of, but not the height at which it needs to be positioned. If it is too high, children with disabilities may need help climbing in and out, resulting in a reduction of their independent play opportunities.
• Consider the overall swing structure height: many children tell us that playspaces are boring due to the lack of challenge and excitement. Modern playspaces often provide standard swings or lower height than in older days. Consdier provision of a higher swing for older children to explore more speed and heights in swinging!
• Consider the pros and cons of wheelchair swings: While the idea of a wheelchair swing may seem a solution, the reality is that these swings need to be fenced off for safety and can often seem to increase islation and exclusion rather than encourage inclusion. Having an advosory group and consultation with families of children with disabiltiies helps in this case to weigh up the pros and cons and usability issues that arise. PlayWales offers some guidance for considering the provision of a wheelchair swing in a public playspace: Creating-accessible-play-spaces.pdf. See figure 4, which shows how a wheelchair swing has been incorporated ionto the design of a new inclusive play and recreation space within the grounds of Crann Centre Cork (see more about the Crann Project in RESOURCES SECTION). Note how the wheelchair swing is in alignment with the other swings, and even though it is fenced off for safety, is easy to access. Contact Crann if you need to find out more about the planning and decision-making in designign this playspace.

Figure 1: Shared swing seat (on left-hand-side) in Tory Top Park, Cork, Ireland

Figure 2: Circular grouping of swings in Fitzgerald’s Park

Figure 3: Extra high swing structure for added play value

Figure 4: Wheelchair swing example from Crann Centre, Cork, Ireland

KEY POINTS for SWINGING

Play value and Universal Design strategies

• Regular and accessible surfacing should lead to all swings in the playgrounds.
• Include a variety of swing types (for example, swings that move in linear and circular motion; small enclosed toddler seats; wide seats large enough for an adult).
• Include accessible swing types. There are many accessible swings where children need to transfer in order to use them (for example, bucket swings; an adaptive swing with a harness; seats with back and side support). There are also wheelchair accessible swings that allow persons that cannot leave their chair to roll on.
• Include swings at a variety of heights for play value.
• Consider grouping the swings (for example, circular grouping of swings in Fitzgerald’s Park) to encourgae social interaction and intergenerational use.
• If a wheelchair swing is being considered, aim to minimise exclusion by placing it alongside the other swings, and consider having fencing that is not locked. These pieces of specialised equipment most of all need to be accessible and usable and not locked away or requiring keys to access them. Advice from the safety assessor will be benefical for advisign on optimal management of this at the planning stage. Talking to users is invaluable.