Why Inclusive Parks Matter

As a parent, what does a perfect day at the park look like to you? The sound of your child’s laughter, wonder in their eyes chasing a squirrel, the feeling of fresh air and the freedom to run in an open space; sounds familiar, right? It is a snapshot of a perfect childhood, a memory many of us cherish. But for families like mine, this feels just out of reach. My husband and I are both visually impaired, raising our one-year-old in Delhi. Our greatest wish is for our toddler to experience those simple joys, but when we try to visit our local park, a relaxing outing often turns into an anxiety-filled challenge. It is here, in a space meant for everyone, but we are met with barriers.

The Unseen Obstacle Course

For most, a park is a place of relaxation and fun. For us, it feels like an obstacle course. We want to hear our child’s laughter, but our minds are instead filled with worry. We worry about their safety, about navigating the space and about the lack of support in a place that is for everyone. The park lacks basic accessibility features like tactile paths to guide our steps, clear orientation cues or accessible wayfinding systems. Without these, our focus shifts from enjoying our child’s happiness to simply trying to stay safe and oriented.

Design for Everyone

Public spaces are envisioned under national commitments and policies to be universally accessible. India has taken important steps through national policies and campaigns to make public spaces more inclusive. Yet the lived reality shows how much more can be done on the ground. For example: a park that excludes families like ours is not living up to this promise. Missing navigation cues are not just an inconvenience; they are a barrier to our inclusion and independence. When public spaces are not designed for everyone, it is implied that some people are not welcome. This isn’t just about us; it is about the fundamental right of every person to participate fully in their community.

Paving the Way for Inclusion

In making parks accessible, simple, thoughtful changes could make a world of difference. Adding tactile walking surfaces would guide us safely along paths. Clear signage in multiple formats would help everyone find their way. Safe, barrier-free pathways would ensure that a day at the park is a joyful experience, not a stressful one. These improvements would not only help families with visual impairments; they would also make the park more accessible and friendly for everyone, including the elderly, people with strollers, and young children.

Every child deserves to play. Every parent deserves the peace of mind to know their child is safe. And every public space must live up to its promise of inclusion. I am confident that with time, India too will move towards making this vision a reality.

We hope for a future where playgrounds and parks are truly for all. Where no family feels excluded, and where our child, and other generations to come can laugh, run, and explore freely in spaces designed for everyone..

By: Namrata Mehta. Technical Specialist-Policy Analysis & Coordination