Coffee Talk - Pathways to Play

A Place Where Everyone Can Play: Implementation insights for creating more inclusive playgrounds

We know play is vital to children’s physical, mental, and social wellbeing – so it’s essential to create inclusive playgrounds where everyone belongs. With the adoption of HB467 in 2023, New Hampshire playgrounds are seeing new requirements related to accessible surfacing. The law is designed to increase access to play no matter how people move around, in order to better accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, and other mobility devices.

This webinar will explore practical issues associated with implementing HB467 and highlight a range of additional strategies for increasing welcoming, inclusive play spaces for people of all ages and abilities. Insightful panelists will share their own experiences with advancing inclusive play via surfacing, equipment choices, ramps, seating, shade, communication boards and more. Speakers will also highlight a collection of online recreation planning resources available through the Southern NH Planning Commission’s Pathways to Play initiative. The webinar will allow ample time for Q&A, so participants can share ideas and gather insights on specific opportunities and challenges they’re experiencing in their own communities.

Session hosts:

· New Hampshire Recreation and Park Association

· Suzanne Nienaber, Southern NH Planning Commission (facilitator)

Featured speakers:

· State Representative Katelyn Kuttab, Rockingham 17 – Windham

· Janet Horvath, NH Division of Parks & Recreation

· Michele Sheppard, Granite YMCA