Universal Design guidelines take sport inclusion to the next level
Published: 25 March 2026A refresh of Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Design for Everyone Guide will help architects, designers, planners and project managers take community sport and active recreation infrastructure to the next level, putting people at the heart of the design process and ensuring access and inclusion is at the forefront of infrastructure developments across the state.
Since its launch in 2015, the Design for Everyone Guide has improved the way we plan, design, deliver and manage community sport and active recreation infrastructure – creating opportunities for the whole community to participate in community sport and active recreation, through the application of Universal Design principles.
This online resource, written by the Access Institute on behalf of Sport and Recreation Victoria, is guided by Universal Design principles to assist decision makers develop spaces, including aquatic centres, stadiums, changerooms, sporting pavilions, playspaces and skateparks that are accessible, usable, inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
The practical, easy-to-use guide provides general and technical information to assist a range of professionals, including sport and active recreation infrastructure planners, parks and open space planners, designers and architects, engineers, project managers, facility operators and policy makers.
Universal Design principles are now used across Australia and are a key feature of the Australian Sports Commission’s Play Well Strategy, and planning for the Brisbane Olympics.
The refreshed Guide includes updated practical guidance on the application of Universal Design principles to open doors to more modern, accessible and inclusive settings and more people enjoying the activities they love.
New additions include the latest guidance on:
- toilets and change facilities
- umpire/referee rooms
- sensory/quiet rooms
- electric vehicle and scooter recharging points/bays
- multi faith prayer/meditation rooms
- assistance animal relief areas.
The inclusion of Universal Design principles is mandatory for all community sport and active recreation infrastructure projects funded by Sport and Recreation Victoria.
Over a two year period more than 330 Victorian Government funded community sport and active recreation infrastructure projects, guided by Universal Design principles, have increased accessibility and participation by almost 43% or over 70,200 new participants. These projects are the subject of the Community Sports Infrastructure 2024 Outcomes Statement.
Our recently released Outcomes, Principles and Priorities for Community Sport and Active Recreation Infrastructure resource will also assist organisations align their own policy settings to get the best out of their community sport and active recreation infrastructure.
The resource focuses on Outcomes, Principles and Priorities and provides examples of facilities that have opened doors to more local opportunities which have helped communities thrive.
That’s more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to swim, play soccer, netball, volleyball, skateboard, cycle and more at a range of facilities close to home.
To support those involved in developing community sport and active recreation infrastructure, stakeholders are attending an online training program that outlines the benefits of Universal Design and how to use the Guide.
For more information read the Design for Everyone Guide.