UFC 4-740-14
1 August 2002
Pools of water
6-6.2
Pre-Toddler Considerations. As noted above, depending upon the pre-
toddler's individual skill level, the pre-toddler uses the infant area or an area similar to
the toddler area. Consider exploratory opportunities for this age group and space for
equipment and related use zones.
6-6.3
Toddlers. This activity area serves is a fenced outdoor play area with
many types of play spaces and activities for playing alone, playing in pairs, and playing
in small groups. In activity zones, include a wheeled toy path, a quiet sand play area, a
dramatic play area, a composite structure, swings, and a multi-purpose area.
The
Navy does not allow swings in the toddler area. Provide toddlers with play areas for
walking, jumping, climbing, running, drawing, painting, block play, group play, sorting,
and exploring. Simple, versatile climbing equipment is more appropriate for toddlers
than scaled down versions of older children's play structures. Toddlers crave and enjoy
semi-enclosed spaces such as small play houses or climb-through tunnels. Other
favorite play equipment for toddlers includes small slides. Note the following
considerations for this activity area:
6-6.3.1
Sand. Consider providing a sandbox with a retaining border that does not
pose a tripping hazard and allows drainage. Provide sand 460 mm to 610 mm (18 in. to
24 in.) deep. Locate the box so it is protected from the wind. Locate the box away from
the entrance to the building and the drinking fountain to help alleviate concerns of
tracking sand inside and clogging the fountain drain. Locate near storage. Turn over
the sand to a depth of 460 mm (18 in.) annually and replace every two years. Provide
raised troughs for wheelchair accessibility. If the sand area is less than 9.3 m2 (100 ft.2)
provide a cover. In cool, wet climates, locate sand areas in sunny locations and provide
a sub-surface drainline system whenever possible to reduce dryout time. In hot, dry
climates, large sand areas can radiate heat and glare and become hot to the touch,
making play areas unpleasant. Provide adequate shade in these climates to reduce
heat and glare problems.
6-6.3.2
Exclusions. Avoid excessive heights and abrupt surface level changes or
rough surfaces. The following items are not permitted in the toddler activity area:
Treated wood
Wood chips
Pea gravel
Pools of water
6-6.4
Preschoolers. The preschool activity area is a fenced outdoor play area
that is larger than that required for infants and toddlers, requiring more space for
running and the need for larger, more complex equipment. In activity zones, include a
wheeled toy path, a dramatic play area, a construction area, a multi-purpose area,
6-12
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