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2013 Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG)

4.1 Picnic Tables

4.1.1 General

Where picnic tables are provided, each shall comply with section 4.1.

Exception. In alterations, where a condition for exception in section 1.1 prohibits full compliance with a specific requirement for clear floor or ground space surface slope, size, or location, the clear floor or ground space shall comply with requirements to the extent practicable. 

4.1.2 Number of Wheelchair Seating Spaces.

Each picnic table shall have at least one wheelchair seating space. Picnic tables shall have at least one wheelchair seating space for each 24 linear feet (7 linear m) of usable table surface perimeter as shown in table 4.1.2. Each wheelchair seating space shall comply with section 4.1.3 through 4.1.6.

Table 4.1.2. Number of Wheelchair Seating Spaces
Table Top Perimeter Typical Table Length (for 2 ft. 6 in. table width)  Number of Wheelchair Seating Spaces Required 
Up to 24 linear ft. (7 linear meters) Up to a 9-ft. table (3 meters)  1 spaces
24 to 48 linear ft. (7 to 15 meters)  10- to 20-ft. table (3.1 to 6 meters) 2 spaces
48 to 72 linear ft. (15 to 22 meters) Typically custom-built table 3 spaces
72 to 96 linear ft. (22 to 29 meters)  Typically custom-built table 4 spaces
96 to 120 linear ft. (29 to 37 meters)  Typically custom-built table 5 spaces

drawing of picnic table with two people seated on bench and two wheelchair

4.1.3 Wheelchair Seating Space.

Knee space for wheelchair seating shall be at least 27 inches (685 mm) high, 30 inches (760 mm) wide, and 19 inches (485 mm) deep. Toe clearance of at least 9 inches (230 mm) in height shall extend at least an additional 5 inches (125 mm) from the knee clearance. Clear floor or ground space that is at least 30 inches by 48 inches shall be provided at each seating space that is required to be accessible and positioned for a forward approach to the table.

image of wheelchair user at end of picnic table with dimensions for seating space

4.1.4 Clear Floor or Ground Space.

At least 48 inches (1220 mm) of clear floor or ground space shall surround the usable sides of a picnic table, measured from the back edge of the benches. This space may overlap the ORAR.

drawing of wheelchair user at the end of a picnic table at a campsite with dimensions inserted for clear floor space, with a 30" x 48" space at the end of the table and 48" clearance all around the table

Exception. The clear floor or ground space for a picnic table may be reduced to no less than 36 inches (915 mm) where one or more conditions for an exception in section 1.1 exist. 

4.1.5 Slope.

The slope of the surface of the clear floor or ground space around a picnic table shall not exceed 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction.

Exception. When the surface is not paved or is not elevated above the natural ground, grades not steeper than 1:33 (3 percent) shall be permitted where necessary for drainage.

4.1.6 Surface.

The surface of the clear floor or ground space shall be firm and stable. The type of surface should be appropriate to the setting and level of development. 

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