Are city playgrounds truly for everyone? Comparative assessment of inclusive design in Austria and Türkiye

Public playgrounds are fundamental to children's physical, cognitive, and social development, yet their design frequently excludes children with disabilities, thereby undermining urban sustainability and social inclusion goals. This study presents a comparative assessment of 20 city playgrounds, 10 in Graz, Steirmark, Austria (G1–G10), and 10 in Kadıköy, Istanbul, Türkiye (K1–K10), using a structured observation and evaluation instrument derived from UNICEF's inclusive playground guidelines. Three dimensions were assessed: Universal Design (UD) principles, inclusive infrastructure and equipment, and social inclusivity and user-centeredness. Findings reveal a substantial gap between the two cities. Graz playgrounds achieved a mean total score of 36.5 out of 51 (SD = 9.3), with 70% classified as highly inclusive. Kadıköy playgrounds recorded a mean of 10.9 (SD = 5.0), with 90% classified as low-inclusive. The findings reveal systemic deficiencies in approach pathways, adaptive equipment, and social infrastructure in Kadıköy, while Graz parks demonstrate significantly higher UD integration, albeit with persistent gaps in safety signage and age diversity. These results are discussed in relation to urban governance, SDG 11.7, and policy implications for equitable public space planning in diverse urban contexts.