Mission
Playgrounds for everyone!
Harper’s Playground wants everybody to play! Play is vital to being human. It’s how we learn and grow. Play strengthens our bodies and minds. It teaches us how to communicate and solve problems. Play builds self-esteem, confidence, and helps foster empathy. It helps us develop the skills we need through life. Play is so important, the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights declares it “a right of every child.”
Most playgrounds aren’t designed for everybody— especially kids and families experiencing disability, and that’s a problem. Far too often, they leave these vital members of our communities on the sidelines. They’re inaccessible to caregivers. They lack nature. They don’t spark the imagination; even kids who can access them become quickly bored. Most of all, they don’t allow everyone to play together.
Inspired by our own life story and circumstances, we’re on a mission to change all that.
Mission statement:
Harper’s Playground inspires and empowers global communities to build radically inclusive playgrounds. Through storytelling, consulting, and unique design principles, we create playful nature-scapes where people of all ages and abilities find belonging and social connection through play.
Vision statement:
A more inclusive world, one playground at a time. Naturally.
The Problems With Playgrounds
We are not satisfied with how playgrounds are built today.
Typical Playgrounds Aren’t Much Good For Anybody
- Accessible?
- Natural?
- Radically Inclusive?*
Accessible Playgrounds Are Lacking Nature
- Accessible?
- Natural?
- Radically Inclusive?*
Nature Playgrounds Are Lacking Access
- Accessible?
- Natural?
- Radically Inclusive?*
Our Solution
- Accessible?
- Natural?
- Radically Inclusive?*
Our Model
The Harper’s Playground model is simple: Radically Inclusive through several levels of inviting.
Physically Inviting
Is it accessible? And is it adaptive? Universal accessibility ensures that everybody can get everywhere and to everything. Adaptability means everything is designed to suit different conditions or needs.
Socially Inviting
Is it natural? Is it communal? Nature provides a calming effect on our mental and physical health, reducing fear, stress and anger. Open, communal spaces allow people to gather, connect and share.
Emotionally Inviting
Is it thoughtful? Is it beautiful? Humans are impacted by their surroundings. Small, thoughtful details that provide comfort and delight the senses have a positive effect on a person’s wellbeing.
Build a Playground
If you’re inspired to create an incredible playground for everybody in your community, you are awesome. Find out how you can help us carry out our mission.