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

When Transfer Systems Are Used 

A transfer system provides access to elevated play components within a composite system by connecting different levels with transfer platforms and steps.  A transfer system provides access to elevated play components without the use of a wheelchair or mobility devices. At least 50 percent of the elevated play components can be connected by a transfer system in play areas with fewer than 20 elevated components. In play areas with 20 or more elevated play components, transfer systems may be used to connect up to 25 percent of the elevated play components and the rest of the elevated play components required to be on an accessible route must be connected  by a ramp.

A transfer system typically consists of a transfer platform, transfer steps, and transfer supports. 

Where a transfer system is provided, such a combination of transfer platforms and transfer steps provides a continuous accessible route to elevated play components. A transfer system provides individuals the space necessary to physically transfer up or down in a composite play structure. Where provided, a 24-inch (610 mm) minimum width is necessary for individuals moving around a structure.

Consider the distance someone must travel to reach play components accessed by transfer systems. When a transfer system is placed directly next to a slide, for example, access to the elevated play component must be carefully designed to minimize the distance someone must transfer to reach it.

Playful features can be part of the transfer system (above), providing interactive experiences from both an elevated or ground level approach. 

Transfer Platforms
A transfer platform is a platform or landing that an individual who uses a wheelchair or mobility device can use to lift or transfer onto the play structure and leave the wheelchair or mobility device behind at ground level.

• 11 inches (280 mm) to 18 inches (455 mm) height of top surface

• Minimum 24 inches (610 mm) wide

• Minimum 14 inches (355 mm) deep 

• Unobstructed side

Adding a transfer step that leads to the ground's surface increases access for children exiting components at the ground level.

Clear floor or ground space - used for parking wheelchair or mobility devices (commonly called "wheelchair parking") - is required at the transfer platform.  The 48-inch long side (1220 mm) of the "wheelchair parking" space must be parallel to the 24-inch (610 mm) side of the transfer platform.

Transfer Steps
Transfer steps are level surfaces in a composite structure that can be used for transferring from different levels to access play components.

• Minimum 24 inches (610 mm) wide

• Minimum 14 inches (355 mm) deep

• 8 inches (205 mm) maximum height

Transfer steps in a play area are not required to satisfy the general ADAAG stair requirements.  Maneuvering space and clear space is not required on elevated structures or at elevated play components reached by a transfer system. 

Play areas intended for smaller children should provide steps at smaller height increments. This will accommodate smaller sized children who must lift or "bump" up each step.

Transfer Supports

A means of support is required when transferring into the entry or seat of a play component. Transfer supports assist individuals with transferring and general mobility. They include handrails, handgrips, or custom designed handholds.  Transfer supports must be provided on transfer platforms and transfer steps at each level where transferring is the intended method of access.  

Aesthetically pleasing cutout shapes and other design enhancements can provide hand supports for transferring. Materials in a variety of different shapes and sizes are used to manufacture transfer supports including metal, plastic, and rope.

Materials in a variety of different shapes and sizes are used to manufacture transfer supports including metal, plastic, and rope.

Consideration must be given to the distance between the transfer system and the elevated play components it is intended to facilitate. Designers should minimize the distance between the points where a child transfers from a wheelchair or mobility device and the elevated play destination.

Connected Elevated Components

When transfer systems are used, an elevated play component may connect to other elevated play components, providing an innovative, accessible route.

Consideration should be given to how a play component is utilized when it is selected to connect to other elevated play events. When a transfer system is provided, children move through a play component (such as a crawling tube) using their own strength without a mobility device. Providing variety and excitement through elevated play spaces benefits all children. Tunnels and tubes make "getting there" an activity in itself.

Elevated play components that are connected to other play components count toward fulfilling the requirement for the number of elevated components on an accessible route where transfer systems are used.