Creating Inclusive Playgrounds: How SISTEM Panels Are Revolutionizing Accessible Play
The playground industry is experiencing a transformative shift toward inclusive design, with communities nationwide recognizing that every child deserves equal access to play. At Hunter Knepshield, we’re at the forefront of this movement, specializing in creating playground environments where children of all abilities can thrive together. Our expertise in inclusive playground design combines innovative equipment like SISTEM panels with thoughtful planning to ensure no child is left on the sidelines.
With years of experience in playground design and installation, Hunter Knepshield understands that true inclusion goes far beyond meeting basic ADA requirements. We partner with communities to create sensory-rich, universally accessible play spaces that foster social interaction, physical development, and cognitive growth for children with diverse abilities.
Revolutionary Sensory Play: The SISTEM Panel Advantage
The SISTEM panel represents a breakthrough in inclusive playground equipment, setting new standards for accessibility and sensory engagement. This innovative piece combines multiple sensory experiences in a single, wheelchair-accessible unit that can be easily approached and operated by children using mobility devices.
SISTEM panels are engineered specifically with inclusivity in mind. Unlike traditional playground equipment that may require climbing or standing, these panels can be accessed at ground level or from a seated position, making them perfect for children in wheelchairs. The panels feature multi-sensory engagement through tactile, visual, and auditory elements, intuitive design that requires minimal physical effort to operate, and durable construction that withstands intensive use while maintaining safety.
Research shows that sensory play is crucial for all children’s development, but particularly beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing differences, and developmental delays. SISTEM panels provide controlled sensory input that helps children develop motor skills, cognitive processing, and social awareness in a safe, engaging environment.
Beyond Compliance: Building Community Through Inclusive Design
Current statistics reveal that approximately 8.4% of all children have some form of disability, with over 55% of these disabilities being invisible. This means that in any given community, there are children who would benefit from inclusive playground design – whether families realize it or not.
Inclusive playgrounds serve as powerful community builders. When children of all abilities play together, they develop empathy, understanding, and social skills that last a lifetime. Studies of inclusive playground usage show that these spaces promote significantly more peer-to-peer interaction and cooperative play compared to traditional playgrounds.
Beyond the social benefits, inclusive playgrounds represent smart economic investments for communities. These universally designed spaces attract more families, increase property values in surrounding areas, and often qualify for additional grant funding opportunities that aren’t available for standard playground projects.
Essential Design Principles for Inclusive Success
Creating truly inclusive playgrounds requires careful attention to key design principles. Proper surfacing is critical for wheelchair accessibility. We recommend unitary surfacing materials like poured-in-place rubber that provide smooth navigation for mobility devices while meeting safety standards.
Inclusive design means ensuring the most exciting equipment is accessible to everyone. We strategically place SISTEM panels and other sensory equipment in central locations where they become natural gathering points for children of all abilities. Clear pathways, appropriate signage, and logical equipment groupings help all children – including those with cognitive differences – navigate the playground independently and safely.
Local Impact and Future Innovation
Every community has unique characteristics that influence playground design. In our service area, we consider local climate conditions, community demographics, and integration with existing park facilities. Our local expertise allows us to create playgrounds that not only meet universal design standards but also reflect the specific character and needs of each community we serve.
The playground industry continues to evolve, with 2025 trends pointing toward even greater integration of technology, sustainability, and sensory-rich experiences. SISTEM panels represent the cutting edge of this evolution, offering communities a way to embrace these trends while ensuring accessibility remains the top priority.
At Hunter Knepshield, we believe that every child deserves access to the developmental benefits of play. Through innovative equipment selection, thoughtful design, and meticulous installation, we help communities create spaces where inclusion isn’t just an afterthought – it’s the foundation of everything we build.
Ready to transform your community’s playground into an inclusive destination that welcomes every child? Contact Hunter Knepshield today to discover how SISTEM panels and comprehensive inclusive design can create lasting positive impact for families in your area.