H2M’s Inclusive Park Design Article Featured in NJ Municipalities

The New Jersey League of Municipalities recently published an article by H2M Assistant Vice President and Landscape Architecture Practice Leader Ken Keltai, RLA, LLA, ISA, as the February cover story of its official magazine, NJ Municipalities.

The article, titled “Inclusivity: A New Design Standard for Parks,” outlines the ways that municipalities can meet the physical, social, and emotional needs of as many different people as possible by opting for inclusive designs that emphasize universal usability, regardless of age or ability.

For example, playgrounds with sensory equipment can provide an enriching experience for all children, improving their motor skills and concentration, while more specifically addressing the needs of children who engage in self-stimulation, a type of self-soothing behavior common in people with autism and characterized by repetitive, autonomous body movements or sounds. On the other hand, quiet play areas that are safe from overstimulation can also benefit children with autism or sensory processing disorders.

Inclusive design is rooted in the principle that design choices that improve the lives of people with disabilities will also improve the lives of everyone else—a rising tide lifting all ships. These designs can help destigmatize disabilities and foster a greater sense of community and togetherness among park users.

To read the full article by Ken Keltai, visit the New Jersey League of Municipalities website for a digital copy of the February 2025 issue of NJ Municipalities magazine.