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Surfacing the Accessible Playground: 7 Things Every Playground Owner Should Know About the Accessibility of Their Playground Surfaces

Applying the Accessibility Standards to the Plan, Installation, and Maintenance of Ground Level Accessible Routes for Playgrounds

The following questions can be used through the planning process, during construction and as part of routine maintenance.

  • Is the surface for the accessible route, clear ground space and turning space compliant with ASTM F1951-99 Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment?
  • Does the playground surface comply with ASTM F1292-99/04 Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment when ground surfaces are part of the accessible route and also located in the use zones?
  • Is the accessible route part of the main circulation path and is it continuous to each accessible play component?
  • Is the running slope for the ground level accessible route less than 1:16 or 6.25%?
  • Is the maximum cross slope for the ground level accessible route less than 1:48 or 2.08%?
  • Is there a minimum clear width of 60 inches for the ground level accessible route (some exceptions apply)?
  • Are openings in the surface for the ground level accessible route no greater than .50 inch?
  • Are changes in level along the ground level accessible route less than .50 inch beveled?
  • Is the vertical clearance a minimum of 80 inches for the ground level accessible route?
  • Does the clear ground space, 30 x 48 inches minimum, at egress of accessible equipment have a cross slope less than 1:48 or 2.08%?
  • Are the ground surfaces inspected and maintained regularly and frequently to ensure continued compliance with ASTM F1951-99?

For more explanation on the application of the accessibility standards to public playgrounds, see A Summary of Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas.

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