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

Maximum Slope at Ground Level

The maximum allowable slope for a ground-level accessible route is 1:16.

Berms are sometimes used to provide access to elevated play areas. A berm may be a natural sloped surface that is present in a hilly play area site, or a ground-level route built with slopes.

Designers are encouraged to consider edge protection and handrails on berms where there may be a drop-off.  Remember the maximum slope of this "ground-level accessible route" is 1:16.  

However, handrails are not required on ground-level accessible routes. This is permitted since the handrails may become a safety hazard in the "use zone."