ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Playgrounds

Accessible Route

• A major requirement of the ADA is that playgrounds have an accessible route. A safe path of travel that is at least 60 inches wide and has a slope that does not exceed a 1:20 ratio is considered accessible. Any slope greater than 1:20 is considered to be a ramp and must comply with the ADA ramp requirements. This accessible route must lead to a transfer area on the play set that allows an individual to transfer from a wheelchair to the play set.

Play Components

• The playground must offer a variety of components to allow children to engage in different types of play. An elevated play component is typically part of a play structure and is approached from a platform or deck area above the ground. Ground-level play components are approached at the ground level, typically from an accessible route. At least one of each type of play component provided in the play area must be on an accessible route and usable by someone with a disability. For example, if swings and slides are provided, at least one of each shall be on an accessible route and usable to those with disabilities. More specifically, a grouping of elevated play components (such as elevated bridge elements and play platforms) must contain a minimum amount of components that are accessible. A group of 20 or more components must have at least 25 percent of the components connected by ramps. If a play component group contains less than 20 components, 50 percent of the components must be accessible via transfer platforms.

Clearances

• Clearances in and around the play set are crucial components required by the ADA to allow for the play set to be used by those with disabilities. A clearance of 30 inches by 48 inches at a play component on an accessible route is required to allow for a stationary wheelchair. A turning radius of 5 feet in diameter is required on ground-level and elevated routes to allow for a wheelchair to turn around if necessary. At least one turning space must be provided on the same level of an accessible play component.

Accessible Ground Surfaces

• Surfaces in the play zone and along the accessible routes must comply with minimum standards that ensure the safety and accessibility of the areas being served. Primarily, the ADA dictates a maximum level of effort that must be exerted during travel and a minimum level of softness or "impact attenuation" that must be provided in the accessible ground surfaces. To comply with the ADA standard, the force exerted to travel and turn in and along an accessible route must be less than that which is required to propel a wheelchair up a ramp with a slope of 1:14. Additionally, ADA regulations state that accessible surfaces must be soft and resilient enough to adequately minimize injuries from falling as measured by ASTM standard F-1292-04.