Playground Guide - 2017 - 19

Swings
Traditionally, multi-occupancy swings that were impact concerns were more of a suspended " park bench " or a " 2-person
glider type, " commonly found in residential playgrounds. Up
until 2011, multi-axis swings were considered to be similar to
a tire swing. Starting in 2011, single axis (to-fro) multi-occupancy swings with only one per bay were allowed. This revised
standard exempts single axis suspended elements intended
for a maximum of two users from this requirement.
Roofs and Other Shade Structures
Versus Overhead Obstructions
These structures must maintain a clearance above the protective surfacing within the use zone of a swing of X + 42
inches, where X is the distance from the pivot point of the
swing to the underlying protective surface. Roofs that are
an integral part of a play structure and that are less than 84
inches above the designated play surface shall contain no
designated play surfaces, and their support members shall
be designed to discourage climbing. Roofs or shade structures that conform to these requirements do not have a fall
height requirement.

Playground Layout in Terms
of " Play Functionally Linked "
ASTM F1487 has previously addressed the acceptable distance between stepping forms based on child developmental
factors and anthropometrics of the intended users, but there
are many other types of stepping surfaces and climbers with
stepping surfaces that, when placed adjacent to one another,
are being labeled " play functionally linked. " This revision requires two or more adjacent play components, intended to be
considered play functionally linked, to not be greater than 12
inches apart for 2 to 5 year olds and 18 inches for 5 to 12 year
olds. These dimensions are measured edge to edge between
the adjacent stepping surfaces and address the stepping capabilities when there is a change in elevation between adjacent
stepping surface elevations.
WARNING! ASTM F1487 does not specifically address or differentiate between stepping and climbing surfaces on adjacent play functionally linked play components. Designers, manufacturers and owners should consider how the intended user group will use the climbing
equipment in relationship to other adjacent functionally linked stepping or climbing equipment and assess where the user may fall if they
fail to use the climbing equipment as intended.

impact attenuating surfacing in accordance to the designer/
manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions. To
that end, the owner/operator shall make periodic inspections
of each play structure and remove any extraneous materials from the equipment or impact attenuating surfacing that
could cause injury, infection or disease. This could include
litter, blood-borne pathogens, wildlife excrement and ropes
tied to play equipment.
The owner/operator must also establish and maintain detailed installation, assembly, inspection, maintenance and repair records for each public-use playground equipment area.
Section 11 of this standard details who is responsible for providing most of the information necessary to fulfill the above
documentation requirement.

Playground Maintenance: It's Your Duty
The standard requires owners/operators to inspect, maintain
and repair each play structure within the playground and the

Kenneth S. Kutska is the Executive Director of IPSI, LLC, and is also the Chair
of the ASTM F15.29 subcommittee.

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Parks & Recreation

Playground Guide - 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Playground Guide - 2017