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

Ground-Level Play Components

There are two requirements addressing how many ground-level play components must be on an accessible route:

• One of Each Type

• Ground-Level Requirements based on the number of Elevated Play Components

One of Each Type

At least one of each type of ground-level play component that is present in the play area must be on an accessible route.

To meet the requirement, for example, in the case of a play area including a composite play structure, two spring riders (above) and a swing set (below), an accessible route must connect to at least one spring rider and one swing for one of each type of ground-level play experiences that is present in the play area.

Ground Level Requirements Based on Elevated Play Components

The number and variety of ground-level play components required to be on an accessible route is also determined by the number of elevated components provided in the play area.  The intent of this requirement is to provide a variety of experiences for individuals who choose to remain with their mobility devices, or choose not to transfer to elevated play components.

If ramps provide access to at least 50 percent of the elevated play components – which must include at least three different play types – then additional ground-level components are not required.  An example:  the composite structure of a play area has four elevated play components (bubble panel, slide, steering wheel, and tic-tac-toe panel).  According to the table, a minimum of one ground level play component must be provided, and a minimum of one different type.  The spring rider or swing can be used to meet the “one of each type” requirement and can also be used to meet the minimum number determined by Table 240.2.1.2.  The number of ground-level components determined by “one of each type” can also fulfill the minimum ground level requirement that is indicated by the elevated play components table.