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

Soft Contained Play Structures

"Soft contained play equipment" is a play structure made of one or more components, on which an individual enters a fully enclosed play environment that uses pliable materials such as plastic, soft padding, and fabric.

Soft contained play structures must provide at least one entry point on an accessible route when three or fewer entry points are provided. If four or more entry points are provided, at least two entry points must be located on an accessible route.

Soft contained play environments typically have limited entrance and exit locations, with play components integrated into the system design. Transfer systems (left) or platform lifts can serve as a part of an accessible route connecting entry points on soft-contained play structures.