1 All successful, inclusive playgrounds start with comprehensive planning. The site selecƟ on and layout of the accessible route should be considered alongside the selecƟ on of the play equipment. A site survey may also be necessary. 2 The accessibility standards apply to playgrounds in parks, malls, schools, child care faciliƟ es and other public accommodaƟ ons covered by the ADA and the ABA. Playground owners, designers and maintenance personnel must have a good understanding of the requirements for ground level accessible routes within the play area. 3 Accessibility assessments of the play area should be conducted during planning on paper, installaƟ on on site, and for ongoing maintenance. The assessment should include the accessible route throughout the play area along with clear ground space at entry/egress to accessible equipment. The areas should be checked for compliance with running slope, cross slope, changes in level and openings. 4 Comparison shopping is essenƟ al in the planning process. Decision makers should engage with suppliers to gather informaƟ on on various surfaces and evaluate surface opƟ ons. The sales rep should provide documentaƟ on on installaƟ on, fi eld tesƟ ng, maintenance and a minimum 5-year warranty. The planning team should talk to customers and visit installaƟ ons to fi nd out what issues may have come up with installaƟ on and maintenance. 5 The research fi ndings tell us there is no perfect surface. Each type of surface requires the playground owner understand its characterisƟ cs and what is required with installaƟ on and maintenance. 6 Proper installaƟ on of the playground surface is criƟ cal for long term use and maintenance. An accessible surface system can be rendered useless if it is not properly installed. InstallaƟ on should be performed by those knowledgeable of the accessibility standards and with experƟ se working with the surface materials. Field tesƟ ng should be conducted following installaƟ on and periodically through the life of the surface system. 7 Playground ownership is a commitment to ongoing care and maintenance. Maintenance is one of the greatest factors aff ecƟ ng the accessibility of playground surfaces. Playground owners should have a thorough understanding of the care and maintenance required for their selected surface systems. What Every Playground Owner Should Know About the Accessibility of Their Playground Surfaces Adapted from 7 Things Every Playground Owner Should Know About the Accessibility of Their Playground Surfaces, a publicaƟ on of the U.S. Access Board and the NaƟ onal Center on Accessibility.
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