How an inclusive East Houston playground became a place for all kids

There is a growing emphasis on creating equitable spaces—environments that are accessible to all and versatile enough to be used frequently. The more people who can engage with these spaces, the better, especially when they serve multiple functions, such as outdoor learning environments.

Houston’s Galena Park Independent School District, a district of more than 21,000 students, many of whom are economically disadvantaged, wanted to provide a space for children of all abilities to play together. A goal to create not just an “accessible” or “adaptable” playground but to design a truly inclusive space resulted in a 24,000-square-foot playground at Williamson Elementary School.

Designed by Pfluger Architects, the universally designed, sensory-rich environment welcomes children of all abilities and features handicap-accessible play equipment that ensures everyone can participate in the imaginative, playful experience. This project goes beyond minimum accessibility standards to create play experiences accommodating the widest possible array of physical and cognitive abilities, including rubber surfaces for wheelchairs and walkers, and an array of objects and activities that stimulate creativity and help children develop problem-solving skills through play.

This project addresses a significant gap, as the district previously lacked a play space that fully supported their special education program and fostered meaningful interaction among all students.

The equipment, like the glide with space for wheelchairs, a companion seat, and room for other children to join in, encourages shared play and interaction. Sensory elements are thoughtfully integrated, such as control joints in the sidewalk for tactile feedback when using wheelchairs or scooters, along with rollers on the slides and a musical section that invite exploration and interaction.

The playground’s materials and features were chosen with accessibility, durability, and student engagement in mind:

• Poured-in-place rubberized surface – This makes it easy for kids in wheelchairs or with mobility aids to get around, while also being soft and safe for everyone.
• Turf for the hill – Turf adds a fun and tactile element but also dries quickly, making the hill usable even after wet weather. It’s become a favorite spot for students to roll down and play.
• Glider – This glider includes an accessible ramp and space for wheelchairs, as well as steps and grab rails so other students can join, making it inclusive and interactive.
• Slide with rollers – Rollers on the slide provide a sensory experience, adding another layer of engagement for students.
• Control joints in sidewalks – These were included to give tactile feedback for kids using wheelchairs or scooters, creating a more interactive path.
• Musical section – This area invites kids to explore and play while encouraging sensory learning.

One unique aspect is the musical section, where students can sit or lie on the nearby hill and act as an audience, creating a playful performance space. The accessible sidewalk surrounding the playground also serves as a track where students can safely race and play.

The design also incorporates the school’s colors, with the rubber surface changing around equipment to mark “fall zones,” helping teachers quickly identify areas that may need extra attention.

The Playground Design Process

The district, staff and community came together with Pfluger to determine what was most important for this playground. With a focus on thoughtful design, testing ideas, and adjusting based on feedback, the team balanced creativity with practicality. The guiding principles of inclusivity, variety, nature and community shaped every step of the process, resulting in a playground that feels like it truly belongs to the community.

The team found ways to stretch the budget–like using the natural shade of existing trees instead of adding expensive structures and carefully choosing equipment that was both inclusive and affordable. Working with Allplay, the equipment manufacturer, Pfluger focused on carefully choosing equipment, finding options that give students a wide range of play experiences without going over budget.

The community envisioned an inclusive playground as a natural space connecting children to the local ecosystem, offering cognitive benefits, supporting health and well-being, and providing just the right level of challenge. The location on the side of the school was chosen to complement an existing adjacent playground, allowing the two spaces to work together.

The new playground also is accessible through a separate gate, making it available to the community and other schools (with approval) without requiring access through the main campus.

By combining elements and integrating sensory features, the playground creates a space that is safe, accessible, and welcoming for all abilities.

Thoughtful consideration was paid to the layout of the entire site as well as prioritizing safety and supervision, placing the tunnel under the hill in a way that allows teachers to keep an eye on the kids as they play. The rubber surface changes color around equipment to mark “fall zones,” making it easier for teachers to quickly spot areas that may need extra attention.

A key requirement for this project was ensuring the entire playground was wheelchair accessible, not just certain paths. Rubber flooring was installed throughout the playground and grading was carefully managed to ensure slopes are within acceptable limits, allowing students to freely explore the whole space.

For example, the ramp up to the slide was designed with a 1:20 slope ratio which eliminated the need for guardrails or large landing pads, keeping the space looking open and playful while still meeting accessibility standards.

Creating a Meaningful Human Experience

As the district’s first inclusive playground, this project addressed a significant need for a space where children of all abilities can play and learn together. The concept and execution were fairly simple, but the impact has been profound. For kids, the playground feels magical–transforming a simple design into something extraordinary through thoughtful planning.

The playground has created a space where students of all abilities can come together, fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging. By encouraging play and interaction, it helps build social skills and connections that are key to their growth. The design also supports students’ physical and sensory development, offering opportunities for movement, exploration and hands-on engagement. These experiences help students build confidence, develop motor skills, and engage with their surroundings in meaningful ways.

It is not only about where things go but how kids will interact with them. Children see the world in ways adults don’t–they turn simple spaces into places of imagination and wonder, often using things in unexpected ways. It’s a reminder the smallest details can have the biggest impact.

We believe that environments shape experiences, and for children, those experiences are foundational. Every design choice, no matter how small, is made with the intention to find thoughtful solutions that not only bring the client’s vision to life but also grow alongside the evolving needs of their community.

Galena Park ISD is focused on making their schools more inclusive and adaptable, planning improvements at existing sites and creating spaces that support physical, mental, and instructional diversity, opening the door for every student to feel more connected and supported.

The district’s new inclusive playground serves as a space for students to grow, challenge themselves, and build important skills in an environment that feels welcoming and fun.

Raleigh Sullivan, AIA, is Managing Principal of Pfluger Architects’ Houston office, where he manages educational design projects and works with schools across South Texas to create meaningful human experiences.