Accessibility
On November 17, 2000, the United States Architectural and Transportation Barrier Compliance Board published “Final Guidelines For Play Areas” for newly built or altered play areas, under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Although these guidelines were not mandatory at the time this brochure was published, people may still wish to consult them. Complete or summarized versions of the “Final Guidelines
For Play Areas” may be obtained at:
All Eagle Play Structures can be either initially designed to meet these guidelines or modified at a later date to bring a play area into compliance. Your playground designer can offer expert advice on issues of ADA compliance.
Safety Guidelines
1. MAKE THE PLAY AREA ACCESSIBLE WITH PROPER SURFACING
Install a playground surface that provides not only suitable resiliency for fall protection per ASTM 1292-99, but also is “firm, stable and slip-resistant,” per ASTM F 1951-99, to provide access for wheel chairs. Connect the actual play area surface to other accessible routes in the area. There are a variety of surfacing materials that meet both criteria.
 Eagle Brand Engineered Wood Fiber |
 Sport Turf Poured-In-Place rubber surfacing |
2. PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE NUMBER OF ACCESSIBLE PLAY COMPONENTS
Make sure your playground includes the proper mix of accessible Elevated Play Components as well as a sufficient number of accessible Ground Level Play Components. At least one half of the Elevated Play Components need to be accessible via a Transfer System or Ramp System. See chart below for guidelines. On structures with less than 20 Elevated Play Components, a Transfer System is suitable. On structures with 20 or more Elevated Play Components, a Ramp System is usually required. (Play Structures built in to elevated banks can sometimes eliminate or reduce the need for ramps.)
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Ground Level Play Components such as swings, spring riders, activity panels, free-standing monkey bars, steering wheels, and beneath-deck play areas provide fun for children of all physical abilities.
 Ground Level Play Panels |
 ADA Transfer System |
 ADA Ramp |
3. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAY COMPONENTS
- Space for wheelchair maneuvering to and from the component
- Wheel chair space at the Play Component
- Height of clearances at play tables
- Height of entry points or seats
- Provision for transfer supports (such as a grasp handle or other means of support)
