For the very first time, children in wheelchairs can safely go down a slide! At BOERplay, we have made this possible with the new inclusive play area on Bolomeystraat in Eindhoven. The SpeelThijnbaan is a wheelchair slide and a historic milestone for equal play opportunities, where children of all abilities can play and enjoy themselves together.
The opening of this play area drew great interest from parents, local residents, and politicians, who welcomed the project as an important step towards greater inclusion in playgrounds.
First experiences of playing together
During the ceremony, children were invited to try out the slide, accompanied by their parents, carers, or friends. The laughter and excitement were contagious. “It was really fast!” and “So cool!” the children shouted enthusiastically as they reached the bottom. For many, this marked their first experience of playing together without barriers, where children with and without disabilities shared the same joy.
Inclusion for everyone
The SpeelThijnbaan is part of a much broader play landscape that puts inclusion at its heart. Alongside the slide, there is a traffic square, a wadi with stepping logs and spider stones, a climbing and scrambling combination, swings, and a sand play feature. There is also plenty of seating for parents and carers, so everyone can comfortably watch or join in. The play area is designed so that children of all ages and abilities can play together, challenge one another, and develop new skills.
The initiative is a collaboration between the municipality of Eindhoven, local community associations, and BOERplay, specialists in inclusive play equipment and play landscapes. According to the municipality, the play area aligns with a national trend to make public facilities accessible to children with disabilities. But the SpeelThijnbaan goes a step further: it is the first slide in the world where a child can remain seated in their wheelchair while sliding down.
BOERplay: from vision to realisation
We were responsible for the complete design and realisation of the play equipment and this inclusive play area. For the SpeelThijnbaan, we developed a track that allows a wheelchair to reach the top of the structure with ease, so children can slide down completely independently. In addition, we advised on the accessibility of paths, seating areas, and supporting play structures, ensuring the entire play space is fun, accessible, and safe for all children. Our goal was to create a place where fun, movement, and inclusion go hand in hand, and where every child, regardless of physical ability, can take part fully.
At BOERplay, we look beyond wheelchair-specific equipment. We design play areas where children with and without disabilities can play together — whether it’s children in a wheelchair, children with limited mobility, children with visual impairments, or children without disabilities. It’s about shared play, enjoyment, and challenge for everyone.
Parents and carers are also central to our design: those who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility should be able to play and take part with their children, just like parents without disabilities. This creates a play environment where young and old, children and adults, with and without disabilities, can discover, move, and enjoy together. Our aim is to create a space where inclusion is natural, fun and engagement are possible for everyone, and every individual feels welcome and inspired.
Pride and recognition
Local residents were visibly proud during the opening. “It’s fantastic to see that our children can now truly play together, regardless of their physical abilities,” said one parent. Councillor Marieke van Gastel, who herself uses a wheelchair, also stressed that the project should serve as an example for other municipalities: “Accessibility is not a luxury, but a basic right. This play area shows that fun and inclusion can go hand in hand.”
More than just play
The play area fulfils several important functions. Beyond recreation, it encourages social interaction, cooperation, and empathy among children. The diverse play equipment supports motor development, balance, and coordination, while a safe, accessible environment fosters independence and self-confidence. For the community, the space serves as a meeting point where parents and local residents can connect, engage with their surroundings, and contribute to building an inclusive society.
With the opening of this inclusive play area and the SpeelThijnbaan, Eindhoven has taken a clear step towards equal play opportunities for all children. The project marks a new milestone for the city and stands as an inspiring example for other municipalities.
