Pathways to Play: An Observational Study of an Inclusive Outdoor Play Space

Abstract

This observational study explored how children interact with the built environment in inclusively designed outdoor public play spaces, with a focus on Pathways Park in Seattle, Washington. Redesigned in 2023 through a collaborative process with community members and Pathways Park exemplifies inclusive design principles that support a wide range of play needs. This paper draws on the Playability Model (Lynch et al., 2018) and the Play as a Spectrum framework (Zosh et al., 2018) to examine how the park’s physical design influenced children's interactions, play behaviors, and overall engagement. While the study does not compare children with disabilities to their same-age peers or examine interactions among specific identity groups, it underscores the importance of understanding how inclusive features promote engagement for diverse users. By acknowledging the historical marginalization of children with disabilities in public play spaces, this project highlights the lasting impact of ableist narratives and examines how intentional design can foster more inclusive environments. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on inclusive design by offering insights into how children experience and benefit from thoughtfully constructed play environments.