Appraisal of Universal Design Strategies for Enhancing Social Inclusion in The Development of Sporting Facilities

Sporting facilities are essential components of public recreational infrastructure for engaging in physical exercise, participating in sporting games, or witnessing sporting events. To design sporting facilities, an important consideration is to ensure that individuals of diverse abilities can fully participate and enjoy sporting events. One way this can be achieved is through the application of universal design ideology in the development of sporting facilities. The aim of universal design is to create products, services and environments that are accessible, usable, and accommodating for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. This paper presents an appraisal of universal design parameters, in order to provide insight on specific design strategies suitable for fostering social inclusion in sports facility development. The research is a literature review paper that relied on secondary sources to gather data. The data were content analysed using thematic approach and the findings descriptively presented in themes, with the aid of a plate, table and figures. The review revealed themes, trends, technical details, challenges, and success parameters for achieving social inclusion through the application of universal design strategies in the creation of sporting facilities. The study aligns with the 11th target of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that promotes developing safe communities and cities to be resilient, inclusive and sustainable.


Introduction
In recent times, there has been an increasing global promotion of sporting activities, driven by various factors such as health recommendations, financial incentives, popularity, personal inspiration, and improved facilities.Despite this surge in sporting activities, individuals with disabilities face significant challenges in participating fully due to barriers like limited access to facilities, financial constraints, and lack of appropriate technology [1].To address these challenges, there is a need to provide insight on specific design requirements for enhancing social inclusion in the development of sporting facilities.
Over the years the concept of Universal Design (UD) has gained global attention as a result of its potential towards enhancing social inclusion in the development of the built environment.UD concept targets developing products, services, buildings and environments to be accessible and usable by individuals of diverse age groups, backgrounds, abilities and inabilities.Due to the potential the application of UD ideology processes in enhancing social inclusion, some researches were found to have examined the prospects and challenges associated with the application of UD strategies in the development of various building and environment types in Nigeria [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11].However, just few of these studies focused on sporting facilities [3,4].
IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1342/1/012024 2 For instance, [11] investigated design solutions that constitute hurdles to attaining universal design compliance in academic buildings in selected institutions; [7] examined the compliance of Ferry Terminals in Lagos State, Nigeria, with Universal Accessibility Guidelines and discovered that some accessibility features fell short of some of the guideline requirements; [8] investigated compliance of selected secondary schools with UD parameters and found that accessibility features were not adequately provided for individuals with physical impairments.A study conducted by [2] found that individuals with disabilities are segregated in special education schools, and underscored the need to bridge the gap between architectural design and social inclusion.
With regards to sporting facilities, though [5] focused on integrating paralysis needs in stadium design, while [3] examined inclusive design for isolated user groups in sport complexes, design requirements for key areas for enhancing social inclusion in sporting facilities were not adequately examined.It is on this note that this study relied on secondary data to provide insight on design requirements of key areas suitable for enhancing social inclusion in the development of sporting facilities.The use of the literature review approach to conduct the research allowed for annexing a comprehensive view on the subject.Specific accessibility features needed for enhancing social inclusion, particularly for individuals with disabilities, were highlighted.UD strategies applicable to sporting facilities for ensuring their alignment with the principles of catering for users of all ages, genders and abilities, were examined.
While UD concept typically targets inclusive development of products, services, buildings, and environments, the scope of this study investigation was restricted to issues around the development of the built environment.Also, while UD concept covers accessibility and usability, the study investigation focused more on accessibility features which are considered fundamental to achieving social inclusion in the development of sustainable environments.In addition, key users of sporting facilities include spectators and athletes.The study investigation was centred mainly on inclusivity for spectators rather than on the needs of the athletes.
The research offers useful avenues for enhancing inclusivity in the provision of sport facilities, towards fostering societies where individuals with disabilities are seamlessly integrated into communal sporting activities to ensure equal access, opportunities, and experiences for all.The study serves as a pivotal step in addressing accessibility and usability challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, as well as promoting a broader societal shift towards embracing diversity and inclusivity within the realm of sports and beyond.
In addition, the study aligns with the global emphasis on social inclusion.As societies become more diverse and inclusive, there is a pressing need to ensure that public spaces, including sporting facilities, are accessible and usable to everyone.By examining and highlighting UD strategies suitable for developing inclusive sporting facilities, the study promotes creating environments that foster social integration and equal participation in conformity with UD concept.In general, the study aligns with the eleventh goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that encourages the development of cities and communities to be safe, resilient, sustainable and inclusive in nature.

Methodology
This study is a literature review paper that employed qualitative research methods to execute.The study was conducted by a systematic six-step procedure.Firstly, the specific research problem was identified based on a gap detected in existing literature, as explained in the introduction.Secondly, the research's purpose was established, and the study focus was set.Subsequently, specific areas to be covered were identified as also stated in the introduction.
Thirdly, as the research was designed as a literature review, it relied mainly on secondary sources to gather data.Google internet search engine was employed to collect relevant published papers from online data bases of academic researches which include: Google Scholar, Covenant University Repository, ResearchGate, Science Direct and Scopus.The Google search engine was solely relied upon to gather relevant published works where data was extracted from, been a reputable and reliable search engine widely used in the academic community.Keywords used for the search include: universal design principles, inclusive development strategies, sporting facilities, social inclusion, accessibility, usability and people with disabilities.The search focused on open-access documents published within the last ten years to situate the study within current knowledge in the field, as well as to capture a wider range of UD strategies suitable for enhancing social inclusion in the development of sporting facilities.Based on the selection criteria, forty-five documents that centred primarily on sports complex were identified.However, following a close evaluation, thirty of the papers were found to be relevant to achieving the purpose of the study and were utilized as the sample size.
Fourthly, each of the selected papers were carefully scrutinized and data extracted from them through textual analysis.Fifthly, the data was content analysed and grouped in themes.Lastly, the findings were presented descriptively in themes with the aid of a plate, table and figures to enhance understanding.

Design Standards
Design standards refer to directives related to the visual and structural aspects of a structure or property enhancement.These directives oversee changes, construction, removal, or relocation of such elements.They encompass various elements like external alterations, appended structures, barriers, landscaping, architectural genres, construction substances, hues, passages, privileges, legal permissions, distances, proportions, compactness, and upholding of distinctive attributes.Initially, appearance codes served as the earliest form of architectural design evaluation regulations.These codes comprised a series of benchmarks to be employed by the design review board [12].[13] observed that appearance codes were the initial manifestation of ordinances for architectural design appraisal, outlining specific criteria for the board's assessment.

Inclusive Design
Inclusive design embodies an approach to creating "products and surroundings accessible to all individuals, to the maximum degree possible, without necessitating adjustments or specialized tailoring" [15,16].Acknowledging the challenges confronted by designers, [17] suggested substituting the term "inclusion" for "inclusive."This methodology transcends mere structures and encompasses both the internal and external settings where individuals engage in daily pursuits.This encompasses locations such as commercial establishments, workplaces, medical facilities, recreational spaces, parks, streets, as well as sporting facilities.By valuing the diversity of individuals, inclusive design aspires to shape an environment that accommodates the assorted requirements of users, effectively dismantling barriers and eradicating exclusion.It is however recognized that achieving full inclusivity might not invariably address every conceivable necessity [18].Ideally therefore, the target of UD is not to meet the accessibility and usability needs of everyone, but rather to meet the needs of as many people as possible.

Universal Design Principles
According to [16], the notion of UD encompasses a set of widely accepted principles known as the seven (7) principles of UD.The principles are highlighted as follows: 3.3.1 Equitable Use: This notion underscores the idea that the design should be both advantageous and appealing to people of varying abilities, allowing it to be accessible and appealing to a diverse variety of users.

Flexibility in Use:
This idea requires that the design be adjustable, allowing for a wide range of individual preferences and capacities.It takes into account the many ways in which users may interact with it.

Simple and Intuitive Use:
The utility of the design is inextricably linked to its simplicity, regardless of the user's background, experience, linguistic ability, or current state of attention.This ensures that interaction with the design is straightforward and natural.

Perceptible Information:
This idea emphasizes the design's ability to effectively relay vital information to users regardless of the surroundings or the user's sensory capabilities.It ensures that vital information is clearly presented.

Tolerance for Error:
The architecture of the design decreases the probability of hazards and poor outcomes from unintended or inadvertent activities.This concept decreases the risks associated with user's errors.

Low Physical Effort:
The design is intended to be efficient and pleasant, requiring little physical effort and preventing unnecessary weariness during engagement.

Appropriate Size and Space for Approach and Use:
This concept is concerned with providing enough dimensions and space allowances for humans to approach, reach, handle, and make use of the design.This adjustment is dependent on the user's body size, posture, and mobility [16].

Application of Universal Design Strategies in Sport Complex
UD principles can help to improve the quality of life by integration them into the planning, design, and building processes.These principles serve as valuable guides in shaping the design process, exerting an impact that recognizes the creation of more practical products and spaces.They also play a role in assessing pre-existing architectural structures.It is worth noting that the principles extend beyond the scope of merely accessible and barrier-free designs, encompassing a wider array of considerations [16].The considerations are examined in the following sections:

Accessibility
Designing for accessibility goes beyond creating entry points; it extends to facilitating movement within buildings and premises.Every individual, regardless of ability, should navigate spaces and use facilities independently, without struggle or assistance [11].The focus of making adequate accessibility provisions for everyone, is to achieve usability for all.
IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1342/1/0120245 Usability refers to users' ability to effectively utilize a structure or environment and its facilities, focusing on meeting users' needs and ensuring comfort [19].Considering accessibility and usability is crucial in building design, including sporting facilities.Creating inclusive designs that cater to all individuals is the most effective approach to ensure inclusivity.
Accessibility aims to ensure that everyone can safely, independently access, and use a sports complex and its facilities, while usability involves ensuring that everyone can use the facilities.Therefore, by recognizing that individuals with limited mobility are an integral part of the equation when it comes to reaching their intended destinations, all projects can establish favourable conditions.This includes consideration for people with restrictions, whether they are traveling alone or with assistance from others [20].
When accommodating athletes or spectators who use wheelchair, the key factors to address include providing accessible parking spaces, ensuring the presence of ramps, installing a dedicated elevator, and offering appropriate restroom facilities.Meanwhile, for athletes and users with visual impairments, it is essential for designers to incorporate floor guide and warning blocks, braille signage, as well as voice alert systems [21].
It is also important that adequate sightlines are provided for wheelchair users in sporting facilities.A study by [22] centred on improving sightlines for people using wheelchairs in sports stadiums.This is crucial to ensure they have an unobstructed view of the game while seated in their chairs, as illustrated in Plate 1.

Plate 1: Wheelchairs Situated in Areas Designated in a Sports Facility for Wheelchair Users to have Unobstructed View of the Games
Source: https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6AJyoGTjyg/TaWcwDbbcgI/AAAAAAAAAeo/kxjCN5zBKCE/s1600/024.JPG UD enables easy and uncomplicated utilization, while legal provisions delineate the ideal conditions for maximizing available space [23].Despite the presence of particular criteria aimed at developing accessible features for persons with limited mobility, the guidelines have frequently failed to satisfy the expectations of people with disabilities when it comes to IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1342/1/0120246 accessing such areas [20].Guidelines for accessible buildings and environments stipulate the necessity of ensuring sufficient measures are in place to facilitate individuals with disabilities in effortlessly accessing and utilizing buildings directly from the site perimeter and parking areas [6].One way to ensure seamless access for people with disabilities is through the provision of a ramp where there is a change in level as shown in figure 1.According to Rhoads [16], ramps must have a maximum slope of 1:16 and a minimum width of 1500 mm to allow two wheelchairs to navigate side by side.

Creating a Barrier Free Linear Pathway
Creating an inclusive and accessible built environment is a widely recognized global objective due to the substantial population of individuals with disabilities worldwide [24].Architectural barriers restricting access for those with disabilities have been identified as a trigger for a variety of negative repercussions, including alterations in social status, isolation, and limited economic prospects [25].Unhealthy way of living, increased dependency, restricted choices, discriminatory practices, and an overall diminished quality of life for people with disabilities [13].
Furthermore, these barriers cause substantial difficulty while accessing and departing buildings and institutions, as well as when seeking to use the amenities located within such structures.In sports complex settings, the inaccessibility of the environments can induce feelings of vulnerability among people with disabilities, ultimately leading to stress, diminished selfesteem, and embarrassment [26,27].Hence, it is imperative that sports complexes and their facilities are designed with a focus on accessibility for everyone.This approach fosters inclusion and unfettered entrance through a secure and practical architecture that accommodates people with different requirements, such as those with vision or hearing impairments, parents using baby carriages, wheelchair users, and older people.
Individuals with disabilities acquire the ability to fully participate in mainstream social and economic activities without fear of exclusion or unfair treatment as a result of barrier-free design.It is helpful to have antecedent studies available as references for incorporating barrierfree design concepts into urban architecture [28].Additionally, the establishment of codes, guidelines, and regulations is essential to aid in the construction process and provide guidance to designers regarding UD principles [29] to ensure acceptable and optimal accessibility for individuals with disabilities.Guidelines for accessible buildings and environments stipulate the necessity of ensuring sufficient measures are in place to facilitate individuals with disabilities in effortlessly accessing and utilizing buildings directly from the site perimeter and parking areas [11].
Regarding the integration of design aspects related to "Low Physical Effort", the approach involves incorporating specific amenities that adhere to standards.Ensure that accessible car parking spaces are conveniently located near the lobby, and create unobstructed barrier-free pathways (minimum width of 1200 mm) from the parking area to the building entrance.These pathways should be free of obstacles and have a contrasting colour on their surfaces.The design also involves using push doors without handles to facilitate easy operation [16].

Parking Facilities
In accordance with guidelines outlined in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) [30], parking facilities must ensure universal accessibility.Parking spaces should be designed to accommodate the diverse needs of individuals and be well-defined within designated areas.A standard perpendicular parking space typically measures 2400 mm wide x 4800 mm long, while a parallel parking space measures 2400 mm wide x 6100 mm long.It is recommended to incorporate multiple parking spaces with dimensions larger than the standard.This approach accommodates individuals with larger vehicles and those requiring additional space for easy ingress and egress from their vehicles.An example of a typical accessible perpendicular parking space is shown in figure 2.

External Ramps
The strategic placement of external ramps becomes essential when addressing changes in level within a site.An accessible route, designed to be suitable, usable, and easily understandable, should span from the site's entrance to the building entrance, connecting various structures and external features like gardens.Incorporating ramps into the design from the beginning is crucial to ensure seamless integration.
In situations where site topography necessitates level changes, the design of access routes should prioritize ease of use.Ramps must follow a direct and user-friendly direction.Steps and ramps at a building's main entrance should be plainly visible from the principal approach point.In circumstances when ramps or steps are not immediately visible, signs should be strategically placed to properly direct people [15].
Figure 4 shows a preferable way to use a ramp and steps where there is a change in level, that is, placing them side by side to provide opportunity for equitable use in conformity with the first principle of UD.When the gradient of an access route surpasses 1 in 25, it should be treated as if it were an external ramp.External ramps should adhere to specific standards: the gradient must not exceed 1 in 20, and there should be a maximum rise of 450 mm between each landing.Additionally, the length of the ramp should not exceed 9000 mm.
For ramps with multiple slopes, each slope between landings should maintain a consistent gradient.It's important to avoid steep gradients, as these pose challenges for wheelchair users and individuals relying on walking aids.By adhering to these guidelines, access routes and ramps can be designed to be inclusive and easily navigable for everyone [30].Figure 5 shows an example of an external ramp with gradient not exceeding 1 in 20.

Conveniences
Pathways play a crucial role in ensuring that toilets are accessible to individuals with disabilities, as they serve as the connecting link between the sports complex environment and the restroom facilities.Consequently, ensuring the accessibility of these pathways is of utmost importance for people with disabilities [28,31].To achieve this, it is essential that pathways are designed to be wide, even, and devoid of obstructions.They should have a minimum width of 1500 mm to allow the passage of at least two wheelchair users moving in opposite directions [3].Moreover, it is imperative that these pathways feature a non-slip surface to facilitate smooth access for both wheelchair users and individuals relying on mobility aids [27,31].
In addition to width and surface, it is also critical that the pathways have a limited slope and provide ample turning radius for wheelchair users [32].These approaches to pathway design ensures that individuals with disabilities can access public toilets with ease and without encountering any barrier.Figure 6 shows illustration of the necessary pathway widths to facilitate convenient entry for individuals using wheelchairs.It is important that a water closet (WC) or latrine allows for a parallel approach to permit a seamless transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet seat, as this design solution has been demonstrated to be the most user-friendly.The recommended dimensions for an accessible WC, complete with a toilet and sink, are 2000 mm by 2000 mm. Figure 8 is a pictorial representation illustrating the preferred parallel approaches for individuals with disabilities when accessing a WC.
12 As for indoor handrails, also known as grab bars, their presence is crucial to assist wheelchair users in accessing the WC [34].In addition, handrails should be in a colour that contrasts with the wall and have two unobstructed heights (865 mm and no more than 965 mm).A horizontal railing should also be installed at the end of a ramp [16].Figure 9 shows the significance of grab bars in facilitating access to the WC for individuals with disabilities.

(d) Wash Hand Basin
The existence of a wash hand basin (WHB) in public restrooms is critical for supporting individual's health and well-being.To enable accessibility for all, the sink height should be placed at 800 mm from the floor to the top of the sink [34].This height makes it easier for wheelchair users to make use of the WHB.Also, there should be a clearance of 700 mm from the floor to the underneath of the sink to allow a wheelchair to fit comfortably beneath it [34].Additionally, it is essential that the handles on the sink are designed for easy operation, eliminating the need for wrist rotation, and positioned at a height of 900 mm from the floor, in accordance with the same provision.
For the convenience of children and individuals of smaller stature, it is recommended to provide a removable footstool to aid them in reaching the sink effortlessly.This inclusive approach ensures that the WHB can be comfortably and safely used by a diverse range of individuals, promoting overall hygiene and well-being in public restrooms.Figure 10 shows an example of a WHB for diverse user groups, including wheelchair users.Furthermore, various categories of sports facilities are observed to be utilized by distinct groups of individuals engaged in sports.Doorways should be 800 mm wide, capable of opening to a 90-degree angle as shown in figure 12.The main entrance, ideally automated, needs to be accessible.In cases where the entrance continues, sufficient space (1200 mm alongside the door's width) should be provided for individuals using a wheelchair to enter the room while the second door is opened.The entrance threshold should not exceed a height of 13 mm for seamless access for a wheelchair user [16].In the case of people with disabilities, a sporting complex environment characterized by numerous obstacles in the walking pathways, deteriorating path conditions, discontinuous sidewalks, the presence of obstructions, and a lack of disability-friendly amenities such as curb cuts and tactile signage, could lead to extended travel times to access facilities.Also, it might diminish the appeal of engaging in social activities in sporting facilities which are vital for enhancing the overall quality of social inclusion in sports complex [26,36].
According to [2], wheelchair users may feel vibrations that have an influence on their spine, thereby raising the risk of abnormalities, lower back pain, and other musculoskeletal problems.
One effective arrangement to mitigate these risks involves employing a 90 0 herringbone pattern with a bevel measuring less than 6 mm.This pattern is considered preferable to the 45 0 pattern, as it ensures a safer level of exposure to vibrations [37].
In terms of walkway dimensions, it is recommended that the walkway should have a width ranging from 1500 mm to 2000 mm.However, the minimum width for a walkway should not be less than 3000 mm, in accordance with the guidelines provided by [38], adapted from The 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design.

Urinals
The 2010 ADA Accessibility Guidelines provides the norm for a wide range of buildings and facilities, including sports complexes.According to [38] Standards for Accessible Design specify particular criteria for urinals in restrooms.Some of the criteria for urinals in sporting facilities are as follows: (i) Height: Urinals should be installed with the rim not exceeding 17 inches above the floor level.
(ii) Clear Floor Space: A clear floor space of at least 30 inches by 48 inches must be available in front of the urinal.
(iii) Flush Controls: Flush controls should be positioned not higher than 44 inches above the floor.
(iv) Location: Urinals should be situated along an accessible route and should be clearly identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility.Urinals can come in the form of wall-hung bowls or stall-type fixtures and should be installed on a level floor surface.One out of every six urinals should be positioned lower than the others, with the rim at 380 mm above the floor level instead of the standard 500 mm.Each pair of urinals should be equipped with guardrails on both the left and right sides to provide support.
The lower urinal must have a clear space of 900 mm width and 1400 mm depth in front of it, allowing wheelchair users to approach comfortably.Additionally, urinals should be separated by screens or partitions to ensure privacy, especially when located near washbasins or cubicle areas as shown in Figure 12.

Signage
According to [39], signage should typically feature bold 'sans-serif' lettering, such as Helvetica, and be positioned against a highly contrasting background.This design approach is aimed at ensuring that individuals with impaired vision can easily discern the signage.Additionally, the plan emphasizes the importance of utilizing appropriate signage to differentiate between pedestrian, vehicular, and emergency routes within the facility.
Also, one-way paths should be clearly identified with pavement markings as well as postmounted signage.Signage consistency is critical to preventing confusion among users of athletic facilities.To achieve consistency, it is recommended to incorporate the "International Symbol of Accessibility" when identifying special facilities like accessible parking areas, accessible entrances, or accessible restrooms, as indicated in figure 13 [42].

Stairs
According to [16], steps should be 125 mm high and 180 mm wide, with a width of 280 mm.According to the principles of UD [40], consistent dimensions for both the width of each step and the angle of inclination are required for stairs.Also, stairs should maintain an incline of less than 60 degrees.There should be no perforated ramps that could pose a hazard to individuals using the stairs.Handrails must be present on at least one side of the staircase, but preferably on both sides.At the ends of the staircase, the handrail should extend an additional 300 mm as displayed in figure 14.The handrail must be comfortably graspable, placed 650 mm to 800 mm above the floor, free of distracting structural components, and have rounded or deflected ends facing the floor, wall, or column.For outdoor stairs, provisions must be made to prevent rainwater from pooling on the steps.

Elevators:
Elevators serve a critical role in guaranteeing accessibility for those with mobility issues in sports complexes; thus, elevators must be user-friendly and operable without the intervention of professionals.To enhance accessibility, elevators should ideally be located opposite staircases, providing multiple means of access between floors and allowing individuals to choose their preferred mode of mobility.The visibility of elevator locations is paramount; clear signage should be employed to ensure that elevators are easily identifiable and accessible to all, promoting inclusive movement within a facility [41].
To provide adequate access for all people in sporting facilities, it is important that the ADA of 2010 accessibility guidelines [30] are adhered to.To this end, elevators must adhere to the following ADA Standards: a. Visual Indicators: When the call is answered, visual indications above the control panel/keypad or door with a minimum character height of 12 inches shall extinguish.

b. Automatic Verbal Announcement:
Automatic vocal announcements with frequencies ranging from 300 Hz to 3,000 Hz and levels ranging from 10 dB above ambient to 80 dB are required.

User Comfortability and Preference
The extent to which a structure or environment can meet the needs and aim of its residents is referred to as usability.It entails determining how well and efficiently people can traverse and use the building and its services.In essence, the goal is to design locations and goods that are accessible to a wide range of individuals, including those with disabilities, without the need for assistance.This concept of usability becomes evident in various aspects of design, such as the height and rigidity of door handles, the positioning of switches, the placement of handrails, and the accessibility of sanitary facilities, among other factors, as discussed in references like Barrier free [42].
Addressing user comfort design issues in terms of size and space for approach and use requires developing components that can be accessed comfortably by all users, whether seated or standing.Ample room must be made available for the use of assistive equipment or personal assistance.Furthermore, various categories of sports facilities are observed to be utilized by distinct groups of individuals engaged in sports [43].Doorways should be 800 mm wide, capable of opening to a 90 o angle.The main entrance, ideally automated, needs to be accessible.If the entry continues, enough space (1200 mm beside the width of the door) should be allowed for a wheelchair user to enter a room or space while opening the second door.The entry threshold should not be higher than 13 mm [16].
Comfort pertains to both physiological well-being and psychological stability.Eco-friendliness signifies designs that have no detrimental impact on the environment and can be sustained over time.Safety underscores the importance of designs that provide security and prevent accidents.Selectivity empowers individual preferences, abilities, physical conditions, age, and ethnicity.Lastly, comfortability represents a design that caters to local characteristics while seamlessly integrating with urban contexts.These principles regard accessibility as a distinct and essential component, comparable to UD itself, marking a departure from the perspective presented by [45].
The process of inclusive design should be perceived as a seamless journey starting from the earliest concept or design outline, encompassing the design brief or overarching plan, and extending to the intricate design details.This journey further incorporates the phases of planning, obtaining building control approvals, progressing to the construction stage, and eventually encompassing the operation, administration, and upkeep of the finalized structure.At every one of these junctures, inclusivity should remain a central focus, engaging potential users, which naturally includes individuals with impairments [19,26,46].

Conclusion and Recommendations
This study emphasized the importance of sporting facilities in public recreational infrastructure, highlighting the need to consider inclusion and social engagement in their design.It examined the requirements of the universal design concept in the development of the built environment with the goal of providing insight on how to make sporting facilities accessible to individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, particularly people with disabilities.The examination of literature revealed seven key areas to consider to achieve social inclusion in a sports complex: equitable usage, adaptability, simplicity, perceptibility, tolerance for error, use of minimal physical effort, and adequate space allocation.In aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 11, that promotes the development of safe, resilient, sustainable and inclusive cities or communities, the research highlights strategies for enhancing social inclusion in sporting facilities development.The importance of sports in promoting well-being is recognized, with an emphasis on overcoming hurdles faced by people with disabilities.The article promotes the use of universal design principles across the whole design process, taking cultural and socioeconomic considerations into account.
It is recognized that relying on secondary data for the study constitutes a limitation for the research, but does not in any way diminish its contributions which include: provision of insight on how to achieve social inclusion in the design and development of sporting facilities, through the application of the universal design principles and inclusive design strategies.Consequently, further studies should explore the possibility of investigating the practical implementation of universal design strategies in existing sporting facilities, as well as to ascertain the extent to which the strategies employed meet users' requirements.Also, further studies should examine to what extent are building codes embedded with provisions to encourage the deployment of universal design strategies in the development of sporting facilities in particular and the built environment in general.It is envisaged that such studies will reveal key areas that require further improvements towards achieving inclusivity in the development of the built environment.

Acknowledgments
Covenant University is acknowledged by the authors for the financing support and provision of infrastructural facilities used to carry out the research.The authors are also grateful to researchers whose works were consulted, cited and referenced in the study, as well as the anonymous reviewers whose insightful remarks helped to improve the quality of the initial manuscript.

Figure 2 :
Figure 2: Accessible Perpendicular Car Parking Space Source: https://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/intl/z15/z15009gl/z1500908.htmlIncompliance with accessibility standards, parking spaces designated for individuals with disabilities can be arranged parallel or perpendicular to pavements, paths, or walkways.These spaces must be clearly marked on the road surface.Post or wall-mounted signs should have a minimum dimension of 300 mm wide x 450 mm high and should be positioned between 1500

Figure 7 :
Figure 7: Pathways Edge Protection for Wheelchair Users Source: http://www.handicap-international.us (b)Wash Closets Creating accessible toilets for individuals with disabilities encompasses several key features.These include providing ample space to accommodate wheelchair users and individuals utilizing various equipment, installing user-friendly amenities at convenient heights, and incorporating sufficient handrails and grab bars to aid individuals transitioning from wheelchairs or those with reduced strength [15, 33].

Figure 8 :
Figure 8: Preferred Parallel Approach for Individuals with Disabilities When Accessing a Water Closet Source: https://disabilityinclusion.msf.org/assets/files/Iraq%20General%20Accessibility%20Guidelines.pdf (c) Handrails Public restrooms should be equipped with both indoor and outdoor handrails to ensure unimpeded access for individuals with disabilities [15, 33].According to the guidelines in the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) of the Republic of Ghana highlighted by [18], outdoor handrails should be installed at a height of 1000 mm for adults and 600 mm for children, beginning at the ramp level.The outside handrails must continue horizontally at least 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of steps and ramps, bending back to the wall or terminating with an inconspicuous termination that does not hinder the route.

Figure 10 :
Figure 10: Wash Hand Basin for Diverse Users Source: https://disabilityinclusion.msf.org/assets/files/Iraq%20General%20Accessibility%20Guidelines.pdf (e) Doors Doors play an important role in maintaining the privacy for people with impairments, making their inclusion essential in the design of a sports complex space [35].It is crucial to consider specific door features to enhance accessibility further.In the case of the sports complex toilet doors, they should open outward to maximize the available space within a cubicle.Additionally, door handles should be positioned at a height of 800 mm to accommodate individuals with physical impairments [18].

Figure 11 :
Figure 11: Handrail on Door Source: https://disabilityinclusion.msf.org/assets/files/Iraq%20General%20Accessibility%20Guidelines.pdf (f) Walkways and PavementsIn the case of people with disabilities, a sporting complex environment characterized by numerous obstacles in the walking pathways, deteriorating path conditions, discontinuous sidewalks, the presence of obstructions, and a lack of disability-friendly amenities such as curb cuts and tactile signage, could lead to extended travel times to access facilities.Also, it might diminish the appeal of engaging in social activities in sporting facilities which are vital for enhancing the overall quality of social inclusion in sports complex[26, 36].

Figure 18 :
Figure 18: Different Sizes of Handrails Source https://eprints.uny.ac.id/63842/4/BAB%20II.pdf Elevator cars should have a clear width of at least 1065 mm and clear depth of 1370 mm as shown in figure 19.The doors should be placed at the narrow side and should have a clear width of at least 815 mm [30].

Limited-Use/Limited-Application Elevators:
Alterations to existing elevators must comply with the ADA Standards to ensure accessibility.The ASME A18.1 Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts must be followed by platform lifts.Compliance with the A18.1 Standard, 1999 or 2003 versions, is required.However, freight or service elevators are exempt from complying with the standards, as these are not intended for public use.[30].Table1shows various elevator car dimensions. d.

Table 1 :
Elevator Car Dimensions