UFC 4-740-14
1 August 2002
6-7
EQUIPMENT CONSIDERATIONS. Refer to the CPSC Handbook and
ASTM guidelines for information on equipment selection. Refer to ASTM F 1487 for
criteria for use zones. Show all use zones for play equipment on the site plan to ensure
there is no conflict between play activities on the ground and swinging or jumping from
the equipment. Do not overlap use zones. The minimum height above ground surface
requiring a use zone is 500 mm (20 in.). Please note, if young school-age children are
using the playground, different use zone criteria apply. As a minimum, design the infant
crawl space, to include a 1.2 m (4 ft.) distance outside the infant crawl curb, as a use
zone. Accommodate ADAAG in the selection of playground equipment.
6-7.1
General Considerations. Consider the following when selecting
equipment.
6-7.1.1
Range. Provide a sufficient range of equipment to accommodate every
type of play--exercise, dramatic, construction, organized games, social--engaged in by
the age group served.
6-7.1.2
Novelty. Select interesting play equipment with both simple and complex
features. Grouping play equipment together to provide a sequence of play opportunities
is preferred to single, large, fixed-in-place structures. Provide for both solitary and
social play. Select equipment that can be modified.
6-7.1.3
Flexibility. Specify equipment to provide a variety of play events or
functions. Use composite units or super-structures that stimulate a wide range of motor
functions. While activities such as swinging, sliding and climbing are still popular,
provide in conjunction with other physical, social and cognitive play opportunities.
Equipment that can be used equally well by one child or by several children
simultaneously increases opportunities for cooperative, social play. Items designed to
look too much like animal forms or other recognizable objects such as rocket ships, fire
engines, etc., do not stimulate children's imaginations or satisfy their need for cognitive
play. Use dramatic play props that are adaptable to a range of make-believe roles or
themes.
6-7.1.4
Challenge. Children who use well-equipped playgrounds develop very
rapidly in motor skills, creating a need for increased complexity and challenge. Use
equipment that provides clear, graduated stages of accomplishment. For example,
variable-height steps or climbing equipment with landings at different heights allow
children to test their skills and set future goals. Also, select a range of equipment that
can be modified. As children master the challenges of a "younger playground" they are
moved to an "older playground".
6-7.1.5
Scale. Size equipment to match the age and development of child users.
6-7.1.6
Aesthetics. Design children's playgrounds for beauty as well as function.
Select equipment colors and styles that are appealing to children and compatible with
the facility exterior. Integrate equipment with natural vegetation and landforms.
6-14
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