
Accessible Recreation Site Planning
Design ADA-compliant parks and recreation facilities for diverse abilities
What You Can Do
You can transform recreation site planning from concept through completion by integrating accessibility into foundational design decisions rather than treating it as an afterthought. This skill guides you through constraint mapping, accessible route planning, multi-sensory design integration, and amenity accessibility auditing—producing inclusive designs that meet ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) while improving overall quality for diverse user populations including families, aging populations, and adaptive athletes.
Features
identify existing barriers and opportunities for accessible design integration from the project start
create intuitive wayfinding and accessible routes that connect all site amenities without segregating users
integrate visual, tactile, and auditory elements so users with different sensory abilities fully experience the space
plan play areas that engage children across all ability levels, from mobility devices to neurodivergent users
ensure your designs meet ADAAG, Architectural Barriers Act, and emerging inclusive design standards
design accessible hiking trails, sports facilities, and water recreation entry points for adaptive users
facilitate inclusive community input from people with disabilities during the planning process
conduct thorough accessibility reviews of existing facilities and generate remedial design recommendations
Example Output
Example 1: Playground Accessibility Plan Claude generates a concept plan showing accessible parking with van spaces, smooth accessible routes to entry, sensory-rich stations (musical elements for visual accessibility, textured elements for blind users), wheelchair-accessible play equipment distributed throughout, shaded rest areas with backs and arms, accessible restrooms, and emergency egress routes—all mapped with slopes, surface treatments, and spacing dimensions.
Example 2: Trail System Accessibility Assessment Claude produces a detailed audit of a 3-mile trail network identifying barriers (steep grades, narrow bridges, unmarked hazards), then recommends: rerouting 0.5 miles to meet 5% max slope for wheelchair users, widening switchbacks to 10 feet, adding tactile warning strips at drop-offs, installing accessible trailheads with seating and water access, and creating a shorter 0.25-mile accessible loop for users with limited stamina.
Example 3: Multi-Sensory Park Design Brief Claude outlines a park redesign showing accessible routes connecting distinct sensory zones: a musical garden (instruments for all abilities), a tactile native plant garden with textured elements and scent, an audio wayfinding system, high-contrast signage, accessible seating clusters with varied back heights and armrests, and accessible parking integrated naturally into the landscape.
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file: complete framework for accessible recreation site planning
- ADA Compliance Checklist: step-by-step verification of ADAAG standards and Title II requirements
- Site Analysis Template: constraint mapping worksheet covering circulation, slopes, surfaces, barriers, and opportunities
- Accessible Playground Design Matrix: equipment selection and spacing guidelines for mixed-ability use
- Trail Accessibility Assessment Framework: slope analysis, surface specifications, and remedial design triggers
- Multi-Sensory Design Integration Worksheet: guidance for visual, tactile, auditory, and cognitive accessibility elements
Who It's For
- Landscape architects designing parks, recreation facilities, and public open spaces
- Parks and recreation planners at municipal and state agencies responsible for ADA compliance
- Civil engineers planning trail systems, sports facilities, and outdoor recreation infrastructure
- Site designers and consultants working on playground, community park, or adaptive recreation projects
- Accessibility specialists and universal design consultants supporting remedial design and accessibility audits
Best For
- New park and recreation facility master planning from concept through design development
- Existing facility accessibility audits and remedial design recommendations
- Inclusive playground design for mixed-ability children and families
- Trail system design integrating accessibility for users with mobility, visual, and cognitive disabilities
- Stakeholder engagement and community input workshops with disabled users in the planning process
- ADA Title II compliance documentation and municipal recreation facility improvements







