Definitions
(http://www.access-board.gov/)
Public Playground- “public”
meaning it is of use for children ages 6-12
Play Area is defined as a portion of a site containing
play components designed and constructed
for children.
Play
Component is defined as an
element intended to generate specific opportunities for play, socialization, or
learning. A play component may be manufactured or natural, such as a garden or
land form.
Elevated
Play Component
is defined as a play component that is approached above or below grade and is
part of a composite play structure consisting of two or more play components
attached or functionally linked to create an integrated unit that provides more
than one play activity.
Ground
Level Play Component
is defined as a play component that is approached and exited at the ground
level. Stand alone slides, balance beams, swings, and spring rockers are
examples of ground level play components.
Use
Zone is defined as the
ground level area beneath and immediately adjacent to a play structure or
equipment that is designated by the ASTM F 1497 Standard Consumer Safety
Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use for
unrestricted circulation around the equipment and on whose surface it is
predicted that a user would land when falling from or exiting the equipment.
Soft
Contained Play Structure
is defined as a play structure made up of one or more components where the user
enters a fully enclosed play environment that uses pliable materials (e.g.,
plastic, netting, fabric).
Four Levels of Accessibility
on Playgrounds :(http://www.nycgovparks.org/)
*** Currently, Sandpiper Playground does not meet
accessibility needs.
Level 1: Playgrounds for All Children
Playgrounds for All Children are designed to
provide recreational opportunities for children of all ages and abilities.
Playground features include ramped play equipment, ground level play features,
accessible swings, wheelchair-accessible tables, and drinking fountains. Some
playgrounds also have adjustable basketball backboards that can be raised and
lowered for athletes of all abilities.
Level 2: Accessible
Playgrounds with Ramped Play Equipment and/or Universally Accessible Swings
Accessible playgrounds can
include accessible swings and/or ramped play equipment, transfer platforms, and
ground level play features. These playgrounds can also include accessible
amenities, which can include drinking fountains and comfort stations.
Level 3: Accessible Playgrounds with
Universally Accessible Swings
Playgrounds with
universally accessible swings will allow unimpeded access to the swing(s) and
provide at least one universally accessible swing. These playgrounds may not
necessarily have ramped play equipment.
Level 4: Accessible playgrounds with
Transfer Platforms and Ground Level Play Features
Transfer platforms allow
children to transfer out of their wheelchairs (if they choose and are able to)
onto a play surface to use equipment such as slides and bridges. Ground level
play features allow a child who can not transfer out of his/her wheelchair or
climb to be able to interact with others in a play environment.
Loose-Fill Surfacing Material — A material used for protective
surfacing
in the use zone that consists of loose particles
such
as sand, gravel, engineered wood fibers, or shredded
rubber.
Roller Slide — A slide that has a chute consisting of a series
of individual rollers over which
the user travels.
Stationary Play Equipment — Any play structure that has a
fixed base and does not move.
Tube Slide — A slide in which the
chute consists of a totally
enclosed tube or tunnel.
Unitary Surfacing Material — A manufactured material
used
for protective surfacing in the use zone that may be
rubber
tiles, mats, or a combination of energy absorbing
materials
held in place by a binder that may be poured in
place
at the playground site and cures to form a unitary
shock absorbing surface.
- Bare metal slides, platforms, and
steps should be shaded or located
out of direct sun.
-Provide warnings that equipment
and surfacing exposed to intense
sun can burn.
-Consider shading the playground
or providing shaded areas nearby.
-Consider proper drainage regrading
to prevent
wash outs.
Codes for Age Appropriate Equipment(www.cpsc.gov/):
Toddler — Ages 6-23
months
•
Climbing equipment under 32”
high
•
Ramps
•
Single file step ladders
•
Slides*
•
Spiral slides less than 3 0°
•
Spring rockers
•
Stairways
•
Swings with full bucket seats
Preschool — Ages 2-5
years
•
Certain climbers**
•
Horizontal ladders less than or
equal
to 0” high for ages and
5
•
Merry-go-rounds
•
Ramps
•
Rung ladders
•
Single file step ladders
•
Slides*
•
Spiral slides up to 3 0°
•
Spring rockers
•
Stairways
•
Swings – belt, full bucket seats
(2-
years) & rotating tire
Grade School— Ages 5-12
years
•
Arch climbers
•
Chain or cable walks
•
Free standing climbing events
with
flexible parts
•
Fulcrum seesaws
•
Ladders – Horizontal, Rung, &
Step
•
Overhead rings***
•
Merry-go-rounds
•
Ramps
•
Ring treks
•
Slides*
•
Spiral slides more than one
3
0° turn
•
Stairways
•
Swings – belt & rotating tire
•
Track rides
• Vertical sliding poles
**
Good Surfacing Materials:
• Pea gravel
• Sand
• Shredded/recycled rubber mulch
• Wood
mulch (not CCA-treated)
• Wood
chips
Code for
Platforms (Age Specific):
• Platforms should be generally flat (i.e., within ± 2°
of
horizontal).
•
Openings in platforms should be provided to allow for
drainage.
•
Platforms should minimize the collection of debris.
•
Platforms intended for toddlers should be no more than
32 inches from the ground.
-Stepped Platform Codes (Height Inbetween steps):
•
Toddlers: 7 inches.
•
Preschool-age: 12 inches.
• School-age: 18 inches.
