Intent vs. implementation: the challenge of inclusive playspaces in Australian local government

Abstract

Background Children with disabilities have been found to encounter significant barriers to meaningful access to public playspaces, resulting in unequal play opportunities. This inequity can profoundly affect child development, health and well-being. In the Australian context, local governments (LG) are responsible for the design and implementation of public playspaces. At present, there is limited Australian research exploring the perspectives of LG personnel in relation to the play needs of children with a disability.Method Utilising a phenomenological qualitative research methodology, data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Experiences and insights were documented from 14 local government personnel representing six authorities engaged in the planning and delivery of playspaces throughout Perth’s Metropolitan Area in Western Australia.Results Five themes emerged from the data: (i) Navigating complex systems and highlighting the importance of policy; (ii) Learning for inclusive design; (iii) Engaging with community consultation and feedback; (iv) Land development and developer-driven play spaces and (v) Budgeting for inclusion.Conclusion This study highlights a growing commitment among Perth’s local governments to inclusive playspaces, yet gaps remain between intent and practice. Embedding Universal Design into policy and planning, alongside co-design with families, is crucial for shifting inclusion from a compliance task to a core value.