5.2 Access Methods to Play Equipment Access to playground equipment can take many forms, such as conventional ramps, stairways with steps, and ladders with steps or rungs. Access may also be by means of climbing components, such as arch climbers, climbing nets, and tire climbers (see Figure 6). As children develop, they gain better balance and coordination, so it is important to pick appropriate access methods based on the age group. Table 5 shows the most common methods of access and the youngest appropriate age group. Access to platforms over 6 feet high (except for free-standing slides) should provide an intermediate standing surface so that the child can pause and make a decision to keep going up or find another way down. Children generally master access before egress, that is, they can go up before they can get back down a difficult component. Therefore, if there are more difficult access methods, it is important to have easier components for egress. Handbook for Public Playground Safety 22 Arch Climber Chain Net Climber Tire Climber Figure 6. Examples of More Challenging Modes of Access Table 5. Methods of access and egress Method of Challenge Appropriate Access Level for Ramps Easiest Toddlers + Straight stairways Easy Toddlers + Spiral stairways Moderate Toddlers* + Step ladders Moderate 15 months* + Rung ladders Moderate Preschool* + Arch climbers Difficult Preschool* + Flexible climbers Difficult Preschool* + (nets, tires) * only if an easy egress method is also provided
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