American disabilities act | ADA Guidelines

Providing Access for All Ages and Abilities

We believe that everyone should have access to the recreational benefits of a playground or park. That is why we consider the abilities of all people when we design. When we evaluate your site, we keep in mind, not just the playstructure, but accessibility and surfacing materials best suited for your needs. We understand the importance of access ability and will work hard to optimize the entire recreational area for children of all ages and abilities.!

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides guidelines for ensuring accessibility. Please read for further information.

Accessible Routes to the Play Area Accessible routes provide children who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices the opportunity to access play components. It is important to create a path using accessible surfacing to connect the play area with other accessible areas such as sidewalks, buildings, parking lots, etc. Accessible routes should coincide with the general circulation path used within the play area. Careful placement and consideration of the layout of accessible rout will enhance the opportunities of children with all abilities to socialize and interact.

Ground Level Play Events A ground level play event is a play event which is approached and exited at the ground level. Examples of ground level play components include panels, spring activities, swings, diggers, and stand alone slides. When distinguishing between the different types of ground level play events, one should consider the general experience provided (rocking, swinging, climbing, spinning, sliding, etc.). At least one of each type of ground level event needs to be along an accessible route or over accessible surfacing.
Must Provide Access to Half of the Elevated Events Smaller play structures may use transfer stations or equivalent means of access to 50% of the elevated events. Larger play structures with 20 or more elevated events must provide ramps for wheelchair access to at least 25% of the elevated events in addition to transfer or equivalent access to 25% of the elevated events. Transfer Stations A transfer station is a ground level transfer point accompanied by components with rises of no more than 8” (20.3cm), allowing for accessible change in elevation on the play structure. It is important to note that if a slide or climber can be reached by transfer or wheelchair, it must exit over an accessible surface to be fully accessible.