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Frequently Asked
Questions
How do we design a proper playground layout?
To take the guesswork out of playground design, many
manufacturers offer predesigned play systems that combine a wide
range of activities in a safe and fun way for children.
If you are interested in selecting your own equipment and
design, equipment manufacturers are an important resource. Most
playground equipment companies will help you to
custom design a playground for your
specific site and budget at no additional cost. |
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Does the Americans with Disabilities Act apply to play areas?
As public areas, playgrounds also fall within the scope of the
ADA. On October 18, 2000, the Board published accessibility
guidelines for newly built or altered play areas under the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The guidelines are one of
the first of their kind in providing a comprehensive set of
criteria for access to play areas. They cover the number of play
components required to be accessible, accessible surfacing in
play areas, ramp access and transfer system access to elevated
structures, and access to soft contained play structures. The
guidelines address play areas provided at schools, parks, child
care facilities (except those based in the operator’s home,
which are exempt), and other facilities subject to the ADA.
These standards are aimed toward playground surfacing and access
to play equipment, as well as the design and configuration of
the equipment. It is extremely important to plan ahead, they are
the latest thinking on playground ADA and can be used as
precedent when access claims are made.
To contact the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers
Compliance Board call 800-872-2253 or
www.access-board.gov. |
How do we handle accessibility?
First, make sure your playground designer is familiar with the
proposed standards. Second, look for a playground equipment
manufacturer that has followed the development of the
regulations and who has made a commitment to meeting the intent
of the ADA since its inception. And third, learn the general
summary of the Accessibility Guidelines. |
Does all play equipment come with a warranty?
Because children's safety may be at risk, any problems with your
play equipment need to be addressed quickly. Consumers should be
aware that product warranties vary widely among equipment
manufacturers, so your best solution is to review each company's
warranty policy with a sales representative before making your
purchase.
No matter whose play system you purchase, the best course of
action is to set up a schedule of regular maintenance
inspections. The fact is that playgrounds which are well
maintained, no matter what the age, pose few safety hazards,
while poorly maintained playgrounds will almost always present
some injury potential.
Many play equipment manufacturers offer maintenance inspection
checklists and training for their equipment. |
How do I know my
new play equipment is safe?
The International
Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) was developed
in the interest of public playground safety. IPEMA provides a
Third Party Certification service whereby Detroit Testing
Laboratory, Inc. validates a manufacturer's certification of
conformance to the ASTM F1487 (excluding Sections 10 and 12.6.1)
Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for
Playground Equipment for Public Use, Standard. |
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TenderFun is a founding member of IPEMA and offers a
full line of certified products. For a complete list of our
certified products, visit IPEMA's web site at
www.ipema.org
It is important to note that membership in IPEMA does
not signify that a manufacturer has certified products.
Another excellent safety resource when planning your play area
is the CPSC. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's
Handbook for Public Playground Safety is helpful when
developing or renovating any playground. |
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