ADA Compliance Testing

Safepark provides ADA compliance testing for playgrounds and parks.

CPSC Handbook #325: Playground designers, installers and operators should be aware that the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is a comprehensive civil rights law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Titles II and III of the ADA require, among other things, that newly constructed and altered State and local government facilities, places of public accommodation, and commercial facilities be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

Recreation facilities, including play areas, are among the types of facilities covered by titles II and III of the ADA. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Boards – also referred to as the “Access Board” – has developed accessibility guidelines for newly constructed and altered play areas that were published October 2000. The play area guidelines are a supplement to the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).  The new ADA standards regarding the accessibility of public playgrounds in the United States were adopted into law in 2010. As of March 15, 2011 all play areas should be in compliance with these guidelines.   Safepark recommends ADA Compliance Testing for all public playgrounds.

An example from “Step-by-step guide on applying guidlines”:
The accessible route must connect all entry and exit points of accessible play components. Clear floor space required at play components and maneuvering space can overlap the accessible route. Incorporating additional circulation space around high-use play components creates extra room for movement and accessibility for everyone using the play area.