Championing and Implementing the First Inclusive Play Space in Hong Kong

Authors

  • Chris H.C. Yuen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7721/chilyoutenvi.28.2.0035

Keywords:

children's right to play, participation, Hong Kong, inclusive playgounds, inclusive play space guide

Abstract

This field report shares the experience of organizing the Playright UNICEF Inclusive Play Project between 2012-2016, which concluded in 2018 with the opening of the first inclusive playground in Hong Kong. Inclusive play means that all children and youth can play with each other or alone as they wish, in a rich environment that supports their play needs. Inclusive playgrounds are places where children with and without disabilities or impairments can play together. Advocacy began in 2012 and after two years of work with the community through inclusive playground education, a playground users’ needs survey, universally designed outdoor play environments training, and the UNICEF Inclusive Play Space Design Ideas Competition, the project to create inclusive play environments for all children in Hong Kong was established. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department reviewed the entries from professional designers and design students and selected a design to be implemented for a pilot playground project in the Tuen Mun district. An award presentation and opening ceremony of the design competition exhibition marked the completion of this phase of the project. Public participation followed in 2015 and 2016 and included initiating a pilot Junior Playground Commissioner Incubation Programme, through which children participated in the design and development of a community play environment. 2018 saw the opening of the first inclusive play space in Hong Kong.

Published

2022-02-23

Issue

Section

Reports from the Field