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Note: This document or portion of document references a state or local code that aligns with the 2010 ADA Standards requirements.

11B-240.2 Play components.

Where provided, play components shall comply with Section 11B-240.2.

11B-240.2.1 Ground level play components.

Ground level play components shall be provided in the number and types required by Section 11B-240.2.1. Ground level play components that are provided to comply with Section 11B-240.2.1.1 shall be permitted to satisfy the additional number required by Section 11B-240.2.1.2 if the minimum required types of play components are satisfied. Where two or more required ground level play components are provided, they shall be dispersed throughout the play area and integrated with other play components.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-240.2.1 Ground level play components. Examples of ground level play components may include spring rockers, swings, diggers, and stand-alone slides. When distinguishing between the different types of ground level play components, consider the general experience provided by the play component. Examples of different types of experiences include, but are not limited to, rocking, swinging, climbing, spinning, and sliding. A spiral slide may provide a slightly different experience from a straight slide, but sliding is the general experience and therefore a spiral slide is not considered a different type of play component from a straight slide.

Ground level play components accessed by children with disabilities must be integrated into the play area. Designers should consider the optimal layout of ground level play components accessed by children with disabilities to foster interaction and socialization among all children. Grouping all ground level play components accessed by children with disabilities in one location is not considered integrated.

Where a stand-alone slide is provided, an accessible route must connect the base of the stairs at the entry point to the exit point of the slide. A ramp or transfer system to the top of the slide is not required. Where a sand box is provided, an accessible route must connect to the border of the sand box. Accessibility to the sand box would be enhanced by providing a transfer system into the sand or by providing a raised sand table with knee clearance complying with Section 11B-1008.4.3.

Ramps are preferred over transfer systems since not all children who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices may be able to use, or may choose not to use, transfer systems. Where ramps connect elevated play components, the maximum rise of any ramp run is limited to 12 inches (305 mm). Where possible, designers and operators are encouraged to provide ramps with a slope less than the 1:12 maximum. Berms or sculpted dirt may be used to provide elevation and may be part of an accessible route to composite play structures.

Platform lifts are permitted as a part of an accessible route. Because lifts must be independently operable, operators should carefully consider the appropriateness of their use in unsupervised settings. 

11B-240.2.1.2 Additional number and types.

Where elevated play components are provided, ground level play components shall be provided in accordance with Table 11B-240.2.1.2 and shall comply with Section 11B-1008.4.

Exception: If at least 50 percent of the elevated play components are connected by a ramp and at least 3 of the elevated play components connected by the ramp are different types of play components, the play area shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-240.2.1.2.

TABLE 11B-240.2.1.2 NUMBER AND TYPES OF GROUND LEVEL PLAY COMPONENTS REQUIRED TO BE ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES

NUMBER OF ELEVATED PLAY COMPONENTS PROVIDED

MINIMUM NUMBER OF GROUND LEVEL PLAY COMPONENTS REQUIRED TO BE ON AN ACCESSIBLE ROUTE

MINIMUM NUMBER OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF GROUND LEVEL PLAY COMPONENTS REQUIRED TO BE ON AN ACCESSIBLE ROUTE

1

1

1

5 to 7

2

2

8 to 10

3

3

11 to 13

4

3

14 to 16

5

3

17 to 19

6

3

20 to 22

7

4

23 to 25

8

4

26 and over

8, plus 1 for each additional 3, or fraction thereof, over 25

5

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-240.2.1.2 Additional number and types. Where a large play area includes two or more composite play structures designed for the same age group, the total number of elevated play components on all the composite play structures must be added to determine the additional number and types of ground level play components that must be provided on an accessible route. 

11B-240.2.2 Elevated play components.

Where elevated play components are provided, at least 50 percent shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with Section 11B-1008.4.

DOJ icon
Advisory 11B-240.2.2 Elevated play components. A double or triple slide that is part of a composite play structure is one elevated play component. For purposes of this section, ramps, transfer systems, steps, decks, and roofs are not considered elevated play components. Although socialization and pretend play can occur on these elements, they are not primarily intended for play.

Some play components that are attached to a composite play structure can be approached or exited at the ground level or above grade from a platform or deck. For example, a climber attached to a composite play structure can be approached or exited at the ground level or above grade from a platform or deck on a composite play structure. Play components that are attached to a composite play structure and can be approached from a platform or deck (e.g., climbers and overhead play components) are considered elevated play components. These play components are not considered ground level play components and do not count toward the requirements in Section 11B-240.2.1.2 regarding the number of ground level play components that must be located on an accessible route. 

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