Accessibility of active leisure areas and social inclusion in context of urban planning

A sustainable and inclusive public outdoor space is unthinkable without accessible physical activities for everyone in active leisure areas. However, until now, the main emphasis was placed on providing essential functions through the used elements and their position in relation to each other, not always considering users with different opportunities for participation or the elderly. Research focuses on active leisure area quality evaluation in the urban environment, identifying the main planning principles of accessibility and inclusivity that can be integrated into children’s playgrounds and recreational sports area design. Based on the scientific research literature materials and the obtained data, the mutual comparison method was used for the surveyed territories in Riga and Tallinn in the summer and autumn periods of 2022. Using the descriptive or monographic method, accessible and inclusive planning principles were summarised during the research process. The obtained results are dated in photographic records and quality assessment tables. The main results highlighted several problems that brought attention to insufficient accessibility or lack of inclusive design in surveyed active leisure areas. Although in some active leisure areas it was possible to identify elements that were meant for inclusive use, and it was considered a good practice of planning, there was a high chance those specific elements were placed on the side in a separate area creating segregation or they were integrated within a play or sports area but were few elements that were compelling for all users. Still, other elements or surfaces provide participation for limited users, which could be addressed to a lack of knowledge of what inclusive design means. Therefore, it is essential to educate all parties involved to make decisions based on planning principles that can ensure the requirements of accessible and inclusive active leisure areas.