CPSI ADA Accessibility Guidelines Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the maximum running slope allowed on an accessible route within a playground use zone?

1:20 (5%)
1:16 (6.25%) (Correct answer)
1:12 (8.33%)
1:10 (10%)

Correct answer: 1:16 (6.25%)

The maximum running slope on an accessible route within a playground use zone is 1:16 (6.25%). This is less steep than a standard ramp (1:12) to accommodate playground surfaces.

Per ADA and ASTM F1951, accessible routes within playground use zones must have a maximum running slope of 1:16 (6.25%) and a maximum cross slope of 1:48 (2.08%). These limits ensure wheelchair users and children with mobility impairments can navigate safely on loose-fill or unitary surfacing materials.

Question 2: Under ADA guidelines, what minimum number of accessible routes must connect accessible play components on a playground?

One route connecting all accessible components (Correct answer)
Two separate routes for safety
One route per play event
Routes are optional if ramps are provided

Correct answer: One route connecting all accessible components

ADA requires at least one accessible route connecting all ground-level accessible play components and any elevated accessible components.

The ADA Standards for Accessible Design require that at least one accessible route connect ground-level accessible play components. For elevated play components, at least 50% must be connected by an accessible route when the total number of elevated components is 20 or more, or at least one when there are fewer than 20. The route must meet surface, slope, and width requirements.

Question 3: What is the required minimum clear width for an accessible route within a playground?

32 inches
36 inches (Correct answer)
44 inches
60 inches

Correct answer: 36 inches

The minimum clear width for an accessible route in a playground is 36 inches, allowing wheelchair passage.

ADA requires accessible routes to be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices. In confined spaces where passing is not required, 32 inches may be acceptable for short distances, but 36 inches is the standard minimum for playground accessible routes to ensure safe and comfortable navigation.

Question 4: Transfer platforms required by ADA for elevated play components must be what height range?

8 to 12 inches
11 to 18 inches (Correct answer)
14 to 24 inches
18 to 30 inches

Correct answer: 11 to 18 inches

ADA requires transfer platforms to be between 11 and 18 inches high to allow children using wheelchairs to transfer onto play equipment.

ADA Standards specify that transfer platforms must be 11 to 18 inches above the ground or accessible route surface. They must also be at least 24 inches wide and 14 inches deep, with a clear floor space of 30 by 60 inches adjacent to the platform. This allows a child to slide from a wheelchair onto the platform to access elevated equipment.

Question 5: Which ASTM standard specifically addresses accessibility of playground surfacing?

ASTM F1487
ASTM F1292
ASTM F1951 (Correct answer)
ASTM F2373

Correct answer: ASTM F1951

ASTM F1951 is the standard that addresses accessibility of playground surfacing for persons with disabilities.

ASTM F1951 'Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment' evaluates whether surfacing materials allow wheelchair users and other mobility-impaired individuals to navigate on the surface. It measures work per foot traveled on the surface material to determine if it meets accessibility thresholds.

Question 6: When a playground has fewer than 20 elevated play components, how many must be on an accessible route?

None are required
At least one (Correct answer)
At least 25%
At least 50%

Correct answer: At least one

When there are fewer than 20 elevated play components, at least one must be on an accessible route.

ADA Standards for Play Areas specify that for playgrounds with fewer than 20 elevated play components, at least one must be accessible via an accessible route (ramp or transfer system). When there are 20 or more elevated play components, at least 50% must be on an accessible route. This graduated requirement ensures accessibility is provided proportionally.

CPSI ADA Accessibility Guidelines Questions and Answers 2

What is the maximum running slope allowed on an accessible route within a playground use zone?