Accessible Play Areas - A Summary of Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas

Different "Types"

At least one of each type of play component provided at ground level in a play area must be on the accessible route.  Different "types" of play components are based on the general experience provided by the play component. Different types include, but are not limited to, experiences such as rocking, swinging, climbing, spinning, and sliding.

"Rocking" is an example of horizontal movement that can be backwards, forwards, sideways or even circular in nature.  "Sliding" is an example of rapid descent that utilizes the force of gravity.

This single play component provides one type of play experience for multiple individuals.

The number of individuals who can play on a play component at once does not determine the quantity of play components provided in a play area. A play component can hold many children but is considered one type of play experience - or one play component - in the play area.

Examples of Sliding Types

While a spiral slide (above, bottom) provides a slightly different experience from a straight slide (above, top), the primary experience - a sense of rapid descent or sliding - is common to both activities. Therefore, a spiral slide and a straight slide are considered one "type" of play experience.