Georgia just became a trailblazer in inclusive play. On May 9, 2025, Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 371 into law. This law requires new playgrounds on all new elementary schools built after July 2027 to meet inclusive design standards. This groundbreaking legislation means that thousands of Georgia children will soon have access to playspaces where every child—regardless of ability—can play together. If you’re planning to build new facilities soon, you’ll want to keep this in mind.

The Heart Behind the Law

The law was inspired by Hall County-based non-profit Hope for Hall, which has been improving playgrounds throughout Georgia to create truly inclusive playspaces. Caroline Filchak, the organization's founder, started Hope for Hall for her daughter Hope, who was born with multiple disabilities and couldn't play alongside her brother on traditional playgrounds.

HB 371 outlines that all new elementary schools built after July 2027 must meet a minimum standard for their playgrounds to be considered inclusive. The requirements go beyond basic ADA compliance to create environments where children of all abilities can genuinely engage together.

What Makes a Playground Truly Inclusive

According to HB 371, Georgia's new inclusive playgrounds must provide "a sensory-diverse environment that enables children of all abilities to develop physically, socially, and emotionally" and offer "age and ability-appropriate levels of challenge" so all students can benefit from state-mandated recess time.

Key requirements for playgrounds include:

Physical Standards

• Minimum 10,000 square feet in area
• Accessible via sidewalk or pathway from the school
• Complete fencing around the playground area
• Minimum 20% of the total area must be shaded (natural or man-made)

Surfacing Requirements

• 80% of the playground must use unitary surfacing (turf, bonded rubber, or poured-in-place rubber)
• Surfaces must provide wheelchair accessibility while maintaining impact protection under the new Georgia standards

Required Inclusive Equipment Features
The law mandates specific components that address physical, sensory, cognitive, social, emotional, imaginative, and communication needs, including:

• Communication boards and ASL alphabet panels
• Braille alphabet panels
• Roller slides
• Musical equipment (chimes, drums, bells)
• Adaptive or accessible swings
• Play pieces accessible to children in wheelchairs
• Sensory panels
• Wheelchair accessible raised structures and slides

Beyond ADA Compliance
While ADA compliance focuses on accessibility, inclusive playgrounds create environments where children with and without disabilities can play together meaningfully. This includes considering:

• Sensory play elements for children with autism
• Multiple challenge levels on the same structure
• Ground-level play options that mirror elevated experiences
• Clear sightlines for supervision and social interaction

The Difference Between Accessible and Inclusive Play

Understanding the distinction is crucial for creating truly welcoming playspaces:

• ADA-Compliant: Meets minimum federal requirements for accessibility
• Accessible: Meets ADA compliance but goes beyond it to provide easier navigation and more play options for children with disabilities
• Inclusive: Designs play experiences that actively bring children of all abilities together so that they are playing and interacting with and alongside each other!

State Representative Matt Dubnik, a sponsor of the bill, says inclusive playgrounds play a vital role in child development, helping kids socialize and learn how to share. "These playgrounds are critical for helping all kids, regardless of their ability, they can learn, play, and grow together," Dubnik said.

Why This Matters for Georgia Communities

Long-term Impact
While the law doesn't take effect until 2027, it sets the stage for a generation of Georgia children to grow up understanding that playspaces should welcome everyone. The measure aims to create spaces where all children can interact meaningfully, supporting both physical activity and social inclusion at an early age.

Community Benefits
Inclusive playgrounds serve entire communities:

• Parents and caregivers can participate more fully when their children can access all play elements
• Families with children of varying abilities can play together
• Communities demonstrate their commitment to inclusion and accessibility

Educational Value
These playgrounds become learning environments where children naturally develop empathy, understanding, and acceptance of differences—lessons that extend far beyond the playground.

Planning Your Inclusive Playspace

For Georgia schools considering playground projects before 2027 or those looking to exceed the new standards, partnering with experienced inclusive design specialists is essential. PlaySouth Playground Creators works with BCI Burke^®, whose inclusive design options help create playspaces where every child can find their place.

Key Considerations for Inclusive Design:

• Site assessment that considers all users and their caregivers
• Equipment selection that offers multiple ways for everyone to play together
• Surfacing solutions that balance accessibility with injury prevention
• Integration of age-appropriate, ability-appropriate, sensory and educational components

In Summary

Georgia's new inclusive playground law represents a commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the joy, development, and social connection that comes through play. While the law specifically targets new elementary schools, it sets a powerful example for all Georgia communities.

For schools, parks, and communities ready to create inclusive playspaces, the time to start planning is now. The expertise exists, the products are available, and the benefits to children and communities are immeasurable.

Georgia is leading the way, and every child in the state will be better for it.

Ready to explore inclusive play options for your Georgia community? Contact PlaySouth!