Layout and Site Design Requirements (Use Zones) Questions and Answers Flashcards

What is the use zone requirement for a merry-go-round?

Answer: 6 feet from the outer edge of the platform at any position

Merry-go-rounds require a use zone of at least 6 feet from the outer edge of the rotating platform.

What is the minimum use zone required beyond the low end of a slide exit?

Answer: 6 feet

The use zone must extend at least 6 feet beyond the low end of a slide exit to accommodate children's forward momentum upon exiting.

How does the required use zone change for a playground located at a higher elevation with slopes adjacent to the equipment?

Answer: Use zones must extend further on downhill sides to account for increased rolling/sliding distance after a fall

On sloped sites, use zones must extend further on downhill sides because a child who falls may continue rolling or sliding beyond the standard use zone boundary.

What separation distance from the use zone must be maintained for fixed objects like trees, utility poles, and fences?

Answer: The fixed object must be entirely outside the use zone — no set distance applies

Fixed objects like trees, utility poles, benches, and fences must be located entirely outside the equipment use zone.

What is the required minimum use zone for spring riders (spring animals and similar small spring-action equipment)?

Answer: 6 feet in all directions

Spring riders require a minimum 6-foot use zone in all directions, as children can be thrown from the device.

When two swings are installed on the same support structure on one side, what is the minimum use zone calculation?

Answer: The use zone extends 2 times the pivot height in front and back of the entire swing bay, and 6 feet to the sides of the outermost swings

For a swing bay, the use zone extends 2 times the pivot height in front and back of the entire swing structure, and 6 feet beyond the outermost swing on each side.