Guidelines for Safe, Accessible Playgrounds
by Kristen E. HolmstrandThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all public accommodations, including recreational areas like playgrounds, be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Expanding on this requirement, the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed accessibility standards for manufacturers of play materials. Of course, safety is just as important as accessibility. Outlined below are guidelines for safe, accessible playgrounds.
A safe, accessible route
- Paths to playground equipment should be wide enough for a wheelchair or scooter (at least 60 inches).
- Pathway surfaces should be made of uniformly sized rubber mats, wood fiber or poured rubber. Wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers can maneuver easily on such surfaces. The surface material should be thick enough or deep enough to provide adequate shock absorbency, reducing the chance of injury in case of a fall.
- Wheelchair ramps leading onto playground equipment should have rails and raised edges to prevent wheelchairs and scooters from slipping off the sides. ASTM has specific guidelines for the correct slope and length of wheelchair ramps.
- Transfer points (raised platforms where a child can get out or be helped out of a wheelchair or scooter to climb onto the equipment) should be fitted with handrails or hand holds at the transfer point so the child can grab on easily and climb safely. There should also be enough room at the transfer point for a wheelchair or scooter to turn around.
One of the most important parts of going to the playground is getting exercise through fun, physical activity. For children with disabilities, an equally important consideration is that accessible equipment be integrated with non-accessible equipment. Not every piece of play equipment needs to be accessible, but when non-accessible swings, for example, hang alongside accessible ones, it promotes social interaction between children with and without disabilities.
Play equipment should be separated, however, based on age group. Injuries and collisions can be prevented if preschoolers have a play area separate from that for six- to 12-year-old children. Children with disabilities can play in the area that best meets and challenges their abilities.
A safe, accessible playground can include such equipment as overhead rings or bars, bridges, slides, swings, and sandboxes.
- Overhead rings and bars need to be low enough so a child can reach them from a wheelchair or scooter.
- Bridges, like ramps, need to be wide enough for wheelchairs and scooters and provide rails and hand holds.
- Accessible slides should have an accessible means of getting back to the entrance point -- such as a path with proper surface material, not sand or dirt.
- Swings should provide adequate body support.
- Sandboxes can be elevated so children in wheelchairs and scooters can roll up to them.
- Manufacturers of playground equipment may offer other accessible play items, such as easy-to-reach hand manipulatives and activity panels with tic-tac-toe, matching, and math and spelling games. Some companies also offer special, wheelchair-accessible digging tools for sandbox play.
- Fences with a gate should surround the playground area if it is located near a street or parking lot.
- Clean, well maintained play areas are important for safety. Picking up scattered garbage and debris not only reduces the chance of tripping and injury, but also keeps the playground attractive.
- Supervision should always be provided for children during play.
Parents and communities throughout the country have joined together to raise money and build accessible playgrounds. Involve friends, neighbors, local clubs, organizations, and support groups. Ask for ideas and support. Contact manufacturers of playground equipment; they can help you design a playground that follows safety and accessibility regulations; they may also be able to help with fundraising. It can take a lot of work, but the end result will be a fun place where all children can play.
