Strategies for inclusive playgrounds: a case study from Japan

In recent years, with the support of the Japanese government, playgrounds in Japan are gradually moving towards a more inclusive direction. This study focuses on the specific question of how Momochi Central Park in Fukuoka City can be transformed from a conventional playground to an inclusive one that meets the needs of children with disabilities. The renewal strategy involved a series of public-centric workshops, citizen working sessions, and on-site investigations using journey maps to actively engage stakeholders. A user-centric approach was maintained throughout six activities, from initial sketches to iterative design improvements, leading to a comprehensive transformation plan. At first, this study identified 12 key inclusivity points across 7 park types from 17 advanced cases, which were used to evaluate Momochi Central Park before and after its renewal. Additionally, based on the journey map’s statistical results, the updated plan was also assessed to determine whether it meets participants’ preferences across four key areas: physical play, mental play, social play, and access. Results show that the renewal strategy effectively meets the 12 inclusivity points and largely aligns with the preferences identified in the journey map analysis. Key findings highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the renewal process, offering valuable practical insights for transforming other conventional playgrounds into inclusive ones.