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Frequently Asked Questions
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How do we design a proper playground
layout?
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Does
the Americans with Disabilities Act apply to play
areas?
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How
do we handle accessibility?
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Does
all play equipment come with a warranty?
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How
do I know my new play equipment is safe?
1. How do we
design a proper playground layout?
To take the guesswork out of playground design,
Playworld Systems offers pre-designed 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, our local representative
and our Design Engineers are important resources.
Playworld Systems will help you to custom design a
playground for your specific site and budget at no
additional cost.
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2. 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, childcare 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
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3. 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. Playworld Systems also offers
a FREE Playground Access Planning Worksheet. The
worksheet is provided to assist you in checking a
playground design for proper layout and accessibility
issues.
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4. 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 any 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
that 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.
Playworld Systems also offers a Playground Safety Audit
Kit to evaluate existing play equipment and a FREE ASTM/CPSC
Playground Audit Guide.
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5.
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 an independent testing
laboratory validates a manufacturer's certification of
conformance to the ASTM F1487 Standard Consumer Safety
Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for
Public Use, Standard.
Playworld Systems 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.
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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 View
the CPSC's Tips for Playground
Safety.
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