Maybe some textural difference line on the ground that walking in you could tell was different. (Think those bump yellow pads on side walks or outside the grocery store that basically tell you that if you pass it you are in danger in grocery store case if you pass it you are in a area where cars can hit you if you aren’t careful) And the line could be for how far out a swing went. Because I can’t even count the amount of times When I was little that I got kicked in the head by some kid on a swing. It would be nice to know how far someone needs to stay away if they can’t see clearly enough where the other person is swinging. So like if you are standing on the line or past it you are in the clear zone. Maybe same for slide exits too a line to stay past so you don’t get hit.

Also contrasting colors to make things easier to see for those that aren’t fully blind.

Climbing frames!

I loved climbing as a kid, the higher I could climb with obsticals' the ahppier I was, challanges are fun :)

Okay this is actually a really cool idea. As a kid, my favorite playground features were ones that involved sound and interaction. I've played on playgrounds with those cone things you can talk into, giant abaci and tic-tac-toe sets. Those were always the most fun with my limited sight. I once encountered a playground with a xylophone-type instrument. I also enjoy those elevated horizontal beams that have a rolling metal handle suspended underneath that you can ride on.

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Basically, what I'm saying is that the ideal would be stuff that you can touch and interact with. I'm also in full support of the other suggestions here. The use of truncated domes in certain areas, especially around swings, would be fantastic. Also maybe do something about those bars that always seem to be perfectly at forehead height. I imagine it's to stop kids falling off ledges, but they're not very fun when you can't see and inevitably slam into them and leave a permanent scar for life. No, this didn't happen to me, what would make you think such a thing? /s

Sensory activities (musical instruments, water table, spinning chairs, sensory garden, tactile mosaic)

Foam/rubber surface instead of sand or woodchips (smoother for canes)

Avoid shiny surfaces due to glare and light sensitivity

Tactile markings on stairs and before slides

Established perimeters around the playground such as a curb or small fence (helps with boundaries of the equipment and trailing)

Braille elements on signage and toys

Surrounding plants should be safe to touch- no cacti or thorny plants

Parent of the visually impaired 6 year old child here.

* All stairs should have high viability strip as well as different texture.
* Any changes in elevation need to be indicated. There are many playgrounds that have a sandbox but it is not enclosed by a curb but instead just slopes down.
* I agree there should be an indication about how far the swings go.
* Need to be aware of kids hitting their head on a low bar or entry way. These should also be high visibility and padded (or designed around entirely).
* Add braille signage. The only braille exposure in the world my child has is books and elevators. Sighted children get to read every sign in the world to gain reading experience.
* Vertical poles should have high visibility indicators and padded.

Blind kids just want to be kids, but they do need some accommodations to safely access a playground