12.2 Play Areas and Amusement Rides
Key Takeaways
At least 50 percent of elevated play components must be on an accessible route, and Table 1008.3.2.1.2 sets how many ground level components and types must be on an accessible route when elevated components are provided.
Ground level play area routes are 60 inches wide (44 inches in play areas under 1,000 square feet with turning spaces), and elevated routes are 36 inches wide.
Play area ramps are 1:16 maximum at ground level and rise 12 inches maximum between elevated components, with handrails 20 to 28 inches high and 0.95 to 1.55 inches in diameter.
Transfer platforms are 14 x 24 inches and 11 to 18 inches high, transfer steps rise 8 inches maximum, and entry points and seats are 11 to 24 inches above the clear floor space.
Each fixed-course amusement ride provides at least one wheelchair space, transfer seat or transfer device; the ride floor aligns within plus or minus 5/8 inch and 3 inches of gap at load.
12.2 Play Areas and Amusement Rides
Play Areas
Scoping
IBC 1111.4.13: play areas containing play components designed and constructed for children are located on an accessible route. A117.1 1008 then sets what inside the play area must be accessible. Section 1008.3 applies to play areas for children 2 years and older; separate play areas for different age groups each comply. Exceptions include family child care play areas in the proprietor's residence, relocations of components to create safe use zones without extending the surface, amusement attractions, and altered components where the surface is not altered.
Play Components (1008.3.2)
- Ground level components: where provided, at least one of each type is on an accessible route.
- Elevated components: where provided, at least 50 percent are on an accessible route.
- When elevated components are provided, additional ground level components are required by Table 1008.3.2.1.2 (unless at least 50 percent of the elevated components are connected by a ramp and at least 3 of those are different types):
| Elevated components provided | Ground level components on an accessible route | Different types |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| 2 to 4 | 1 | 1 |
| 5 to 7 | 2 | 2 |
| 8 to 10 | 3 | 3 |
| 11 to 13 | 4 | 3 |
| 14 to 16 | 5 | 3 |
| 17 to 19 | 6 | 3 |
| 20 to 22 | 7 | 4 |
| 23 to 25 | 8 | 4 |
| 26 and over | 8, plus 1 for each additional 3 over 25 | 5 |
Ground level components provided to meet the one-of-each-type rule may count toward the table if the type count is satisfied, and they are dispersed and integrated.
Soft contained play structures (1008.2.2): with three or fewer entry points, one is on an accessible route; with four or more, two.
Routes Within Play Areas (1008.4.1)
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Vertical clearance | 80 in. over routes serving ground level components |
| Ground level width | 60 in.; 44 in. in play areas under 1,000 sq ft if a turning space is provided where the narrower route exceeds 30 ft; 36 in. for 60 in. maximum lengths separated by 60 x 60 in. segments |
| Elevated width | 36 in.; 32 in. for 24 in. separated by 48 in. segments; transfer systems 24 in. |
| Ground level ramps | Running slope 1:16 maximum |
| Elevated ramps | Rise 12 in. maximum per run |
| Ramp handrails | Not required within ground level use zones; no extensions required; circular gripping surfaces 0.95 to 1.55 in.; top 20 to 28 in. above the ramp |
| Surfaces | Stable, firm, slip resistant and regularly maintained; within use zones, comply with ASTM F1292 impact attenuation |
Transfer systems may replace ramps for up to 25 percent of elevated components where 20 or more elevated components are provided, and for any number where fewer than 20 are provided.
Transfer Systems and Components (1008.4.2 and 1008.4.3)
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Transfer platform | Level, 14 in. deep x 24 in. wide, top 11 to 18 in. high, with a transfer space (305) centered on the 24-in. side and a means of support |
| Transfer steps | 14 x 24 in., 8 in. maximum high, with support |
| Turning space | At least one on the same level as play components; next to swings where swings are provided |
| Clear floor space | At each play component |
| Play tables | Knee clearance 24 in. high, 17 in. deep and 30 in. wide; rims 31 in. maximum (no knee clearance with a parallel approach for ages 5 and under) |
| Entry points and seats | 11 to 24 in. above the clear floor space (slide entries exempt), with a transfer support |
Amusement Rides
Scoping (IBC 1111.4.8)
Rides that move people through a fixed course within a defined area comply; mobile or portable rides are exempt. Load and unload areas are accessible and on an accessible route (one position on the route where there are several). At the load position, the wheelchair space position, transfer seats and transfer devices are on an accessible route. Each ride provides at least one wheelchair space, ride seat designed for transfer, or transfer device, except rides controlled or operated by the rider, rides designed primarily for children who are assisted by an adult, and rides without built-in or mechanically fastened seats. IBC 1112.4 requires signs at queue entries identifying the type of access provided.
Technical Criteria (A117.1 1002)
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Routes | Chapter 4; in load areas and on rides, ramps up to 1:8 and non-505 handrails where 405.2 or 505 compliance is not structurally or operationally feasible |
| Load and unload areas | A turning space |
| Wheelchair space size | 30 in. wide x 48 in. long, measured 9 in. above the floor |
| Floor alignment | At load, vertical difference within plus or minus 5/8 in. and horizontal gap 3 in. maximum (or ramps and bridge plates per 36 CFR 1192.83(c)) |
| Ride entry | 32 in. clear |
| Protrusions in the space | Up to 6 in. along the front between 9 and 27 in. high; up to 25 in. above 27 in. |
| Companion seats | Where the ride is wider than 53 in., seats more than one rider and the wheelchair need not be centered |
| Transfer seats and devices | 14 to 24 in. above the load area surface, with a clear floor space and a wheelchair storage space (305) in or near the unload area |
A new playground has 9 elevated play components and no ramps. Under ICC A117.1 Table 1008.3.2.1.2, how many ground level play components must be on an accessible route, and how many different types?
2 components of 2 types
3 components of 3 types
4 components of 3 types
5 components of 4 types
What is the maximum running slope of a ramp connecting ground level play components under ICC A117.1 Section 1008.4.1.2?
1:12
1:20
1:16
1:10
At an amusement ride with a wheelchair space, what floor alignment does ICC A117.1 Section 1002.4.3 require when the ride is at rest in the load and unload position?
Vertical difference within plus or minus 1/4 inch and gap of 1 inch
Within plus or minus 1 inch and a 4-inch gap
Vertical difference within plus or minus 1/2 inch and gap of 2 inches
Within plus or minus 5/8 inch vertically and 3 inches horizontally
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