5 Where accessible routes serve ground level play components: • The verƟ cal clearance shall be 80 inches high minimum. • The running slope not steeper than 1:16 or 6.25%. • The cross slope shall not be steeper than 1:48 or 2.08%. • Openings in fl oor or ground surfaces shall not allow passage of a sphere more than ½ inch diameter. • Changes in level between ¼ inch high minimum and ½ inch high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2. For a playground surface to be compliant, both safe and accessible, it must meet the above menƟ oned technical provisions for running slope, cross slope, openings, changes in level, and verƟ cal clearance. Public playgrounds must also meet referenced standards set by the American Society for TesƟ ng Materials (ASTM) related to resilency for falls (ASTM F1292-99/04) and accessibility (ASTM F1951-99) around accessible equipment. Some jurisdicƟ ons and municipaliƟ es require surface systems to have cerƟ fi cates of compliance with ASTM standards. These cerƟ fi cates are oŌ en awarded through laboratory tesƟ ng of surface samples. The standards require the actual site-installed surface systems to comply with ASTM F129299/04 and ASTM F1951-99. The surface for the accessible route within the play area must meet the technical provisions of the standards as long as it is open for public use. Further, ground surfaces used for the accessible route are required to be inspected and maintained regularly and frequently to ensure conƟ nued compliance with ASTM F 1951-99. From the grand opening celebraƟ on to the coldest January day when parents bring their children outside to play and get some fresh air; as long as the playground is open for use, it must meet safety and accessibility standards. Applying the Accessibility Standards to the Plan, InstallaƟ on, and Maintenance of Ground Level Accessible Routes for Playgrounds The following quesƟ ons can be used through the planning process, during construcƟ on and as part of rouƟ ne maintenance. Is the surface for the accessible route, clear ground space and turning space compliant with ASTM F1951-99 Standard Specifi caƟ on for DeterminaƟ on of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment? Does the playground surface comply with ASTM F129299/04 Standard Specifi caƟ on for Impact AƩ enuaƟ on of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment when ground surfaces are part of the accessible route and also located in the use zones? Is the accessible route part of the main circulaƟ on path and is it conƟ nuous to each accessible play component? Is the running slope for the ground level accessible route less than 1:16 or 6.25%? Is the maximum cross slope for the ground level accessible route less than 1:48 or 2.08%? Is there a minimum clear width of 60 inches for the ground level accessible route (some excepƟ ons apply)? Are openings in the surface for the ground level accessible route no greater than .50 inch? Are changes in level along the ground level accessible route less than .50 inch beveled? Is the verƟ cal clearance a minimum of 80 inches for the ground level accessible route? Does the clear ground space, 30 x 48 inches minimum, at egress of accessible equipment have a cross slope less than 1:48 or 2.08%? Are the ground surfaces inspected and maintained regularly and frequently to ensure conƟ nued compliance with ASTM F1951-99? For more explanaƟ on on the applicaƟ on of the accessibility standards to public playgrounds, see A Summary of Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas, www.access-board. gov/guidelines-and-standards/recreaƟ on-faciliƟ es/guides/ play-areas.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkzMzk=