Several membership companies of the International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) are helping differently-abled children to have access to play equipment and opportunities. These IPEMA membership companies, and others, are driven by the principles of Universal Design (UD), a new concept in playground design that helps ensure that a playground space provides all children the opportunity to play together in a barrier-free environment. This article takes a look at some additional work that companies are doing on the cutting edge of Universal Design. This work includes building innovative playground spaces that incorporate not only safe and accessible equipment and surfacing, but also provide a soothing atmosphere for children with sensory disorders. [For Part 2, see EJ819611.]