Codes and Guidelines-Taylor

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.

 

Important Definitions for Construction and Developing (www.cpsc.gov/)

 

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.

 

Weather Mitigation( www.cpsc.gov/):

  - 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.