Sime Darby Property Berhad in partnership with UNICEF has introduced to Malaysia the first Inclusive Playground in conjunction with Zero Discrimination Day.
The Inclusive Playground located in the township of the City of Elmina was designed in collaboration with critical end-users such as children with and without disabilities, parents, grandparents, and technical specialists, namely Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, Early Intervention Practitioners and Educators.
The playground demonstrates the application of Universal Design Principles and the Malaysian Standard 1184 in the creation of public spaces. Construction of the Inclusive Playground commenced in February 2020 in compliance with MBSA’s stringent requirements in relation to material durability, maintenance methods, and public acceptance.
As this playground is set to be an example of other Inclusive Playgrounds, a Best Business Practice Circular and Guidance Toolkit was released during the launch to inspire other property developers and city councils to build these inclusive, safe, and child-friendly spaces.
The playground is equipped with ramps, as well as spinners and swings that are designed for children with different capabilities. Children can enjoy sensory poles to experience different textures and improve their steadiness on balancing logs and steppingstone slabs.
UNICEF Representative in Malaysia and Special Representative to Brunei Darussalam, Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar said: “Children with and without disabilities can play together as equals at the Inclusive Playground. It is through strategic partnerships that we will abolish exclusion and discrimination at all levels of society. Malaysia will become truly inclusive.”
Sime Darby Property’s Group Managing Director, Dato’ Azmir Merican said: “We are a strong proponent for every child to be given equal right to play and enjoy the outdoors, and this Inclusive Playground will enable that. Children’s developmental needs are important when designing townships and inclusivity is a key element in sustainable communities. This partnership combines our strengths in property development and upholding children’s rights, highlighting the added value of designing and building for all.”
