UFC 4-740-14
1 August 2002
choking hazards, regardless of toxicity, are not permitted. Verify the selected plant
material for meeting these requirements. It is important that the submittal section of
specifications require written verification by the nursery contractor that plants with
thorns, poisonous plants, toxic plants, or fruit bearing plants are not planted in the
outdoor activity area. Refer to a comprehensive, commercially-available field guide for
lists of poisonous plants. See Appendix A for non-comprehensive lists of common
poisonous and non-poisonous plants.
3-6.3
Natural Features. Preserve natural landscape features, including existing
topography, trees and vegetation and supplement as needed to help children explore
movement in space, to lend novelty and challenge and to assist children in developing
awareness of nature. Such features enhance fantasy play, motor activity, exploration,
and learning. Exercise care to ensure that natural features such as hills and nature
areas are accessible to everyone and that plants and vegetation are non-toxic.
Integrating plants into the entire play area is preferred over isolated nature areas.
Create nature areas throughout the area by careful selection of shrubs, trees, and
flowering bushes. Thought should also be given to providing sufficient "openness" for
adult visual supervision of children at play, avoiding areas where unsupervised mischief
or child abuse can occur.
3-6.4
Windbreaks. Natural windbreaks (trees) may be needed for extra
protection from the elements. In hot, sunny climates, pay close attention to providing
both natural and artificial shade. See Chapter 6 for more on shade requirements.
3-6.5
Buffers. Buffer play areas from traffic noise with earth berms of a
minimum height of 1200 mm (4 ft.) at the site perimeter. Slope berms to allow mowing
equipment navigation. For supervision and safety, do not block views. Consider earth
berms to screen parking and service areas.
3-6.6
Building Entry. Consider plantings at the building entry to be essential.
Provide colorful flowering plantings that are visually interesting throughout the seasons
in order to create a welcome feeling at the entry and to appeal to the children. Plants
that attract butterflies are recommended.
3-6.7
Irrigation. Equip playgrounds with an irrigation system with sprinkler
heads that do not present tripping or other safety hazards. Consider providing a
sprinkler irrigation system for the non-playground landscaped areas.
3-7
UTILITIES. Consider the location and adequacy of existing utilities and
their connection points when making site selection and orientation of the CDC. The
required utilities include water, sewer, electricity, telephone, cable services, and
possibly gas and/or steam lines.
3-7.1
equipment, and other above-grade utilities and do not locate them inside the
playgrounds. Locate storm drainage inlets, utility clean outs, valve covers, and manhole
covers outside the children's outdoor activity area. Ensure they are securable and
accessible to only the installation's engineering staff.
3-7
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