Honorable Mention

Sophie Takano, grade 12 and Kavita Amin, grade 12
Princeton Day School, Princeton, NJ

Sensory-related disorders, including hearing loss, ADHD, and autism, are becoming increasingly prevalent among children. Sensory playgrounds not only provide a safe and inclusive environment but also support all children in developing an understanding of the world through play. Our design provides children with an engaging sensory experience by blending traditional equipment with nature to offer tactile, auditory, olfactory, and visual stimulation. Kids can interact with plants like the balloon flower, which pops when squeezed, and chocolate cosmos, which smell like chocolate, while a sensory panel maze encourages problem-solving and audiovisual engagement. Our sensory playground can benefit communities globally, as it creates an inclusive space for kids to feel more at home than in conventional parks. By stimulating all senses, our design supports children’s interaction with the world in a unique way while enhancing fine motor skills, mood regulation, coordination, and spatial cognition.