Slide 1:
Welcome to the AccessibilityOnline Webinar Series
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Slide 10:
Accessible Playground Surfaces

Slide 11:
Presenters 
Peggy Greenwell
Jennifer Skulski

Slide 12:
Session Agenda
•	Study Background
•	Review of Findings 
•	Questions and Answers

Slide 13:
Study Background
Playground surfacing number one concern!
Focus on “performance” measure for firmness and stability began in early 90’s
ASTM Laboratory test

Slide 14:
Study Background
•	Additional requirements for surface inspection and maintenance added to the final rule
•	Lack of reliable product performance data for playground owners to make informed choices

Slide 15:
A Longitudinal Study of Playground Surfaces to Evaluate Accessibility
Conducted by National Center on Accessibility
Funded by U S Access Board

Slide 16:
Purpose of Study
To evaluate a variety of playground surfaces, their ability to meet accessibility requirements, their costs upon initial installation and maintenance over 3-5 years. 
Slide 17:
Research Questions
Installation & Maintenance
•	How well do various playground surfaces meet the accessibility requirements upon installation?
•	What are the costs for the various playground surfaces and are the costs related to performance?
•	What accessibility issues arise out of initial installation?
•	What accessibility issues arise out of long term use and require maintenance?

Slide 18:
Research Design
•	The first site visit was conducted within 12 months of installation
•	Annual site visits during summer months
•	Piloted data collection
•	National advisory committee

Slide 19:
Playground Selection
•	Municipal park settings
•	Limited within driving distances of IU-Bloomington;
•	Accessibility to children with and without disabilities;
•	Surface materials consistent with study;
•	Geographic location;
•	Seasonal weather conditions; and
•	Willingness of owner/operator to participate.

Slide 20:
Study Sample
Surface Type	N	
Poured in Place Rubber (PIP)
   (w/EWF)	14
(5)	
Tiles (TIL)
   (w/EWF)	10
(8)	
Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF)	6	
Shredded Rubber (SHR)	0	
Hybrid (HYB)	5	
N=35
Slide 21:
Limitations
•	Sample size, recruiting technique and ability to generalize findings to general population
•	Visitor use and impact on surface conditions
•	Weather
•	Liability associated with sites found to be non-compliant with the standards may affect the playground owner’s willingness to participate in the study

Slide 22:
5 Categories of Surfaces
1.	Engineered wood fiber product
2.	Shredded rubber / crumb rubber
3.	Unitary rubber mat / tile surfaces
4.	Unitary rubber “poured in place” surfaces
5.	Combination or hybrid surface systems under development 

Slide 23:
Surface Requirements
1.	2010 ADA Standard and Architectural Barriers Act Standard 
1.	1008.2 Accessible Routes
2.	1008.2.6 Ground Surfaces
2.	ASTM F1292-99 Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment as determined by the surface manufacturer in laboratory testing;
3.	ASTM F1951-99 Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment as determined by the surface manufacturer in laboratory testing; and
4.	ASTM F2075 Standard Specification for Engineered Wood Fiber for Use as a Playground Safety Surface Under and Around Playground Equipment. VOLUNTARY

Slide 24:
On-site inspection
9 Critical Areas
1.	   Entry to playground where playground surface starts
2.	Accessible route connecting accessible play elements
3.	Egress point of slide(s)
4.	Swings
5.	Entry point(s) to composite structure(s)/transfer stations
6.	Climber(s)
7.	Ground level play element(s) such as spring rockers, play tables, interactive panels, etc.
8.	Sliding poles
9.	Other areas (i.e. water play elements, etc.)

Slide 25:
Tiles at the entrance to the play structure.
Access route to the play structure.
EWF at the bottom of the slide.
Artificial grass under the swing.
Composite play structure with poured in place rubber.
A climber with engineered wood fiber.
A spinner located in EWF.
A climber with PIP.
A climber in EWF.

Slide 26:
Instrumentation
1.	Installation form
2.	On-site visual inspection – form
3.	Rotational Penetrometer measurements for firmness & stability
4.	TRIAX 2000 measurements for impact attenuation (optional)

Slide 27:
Installation Form
•	Completed by the playground owner
•	Playground size, total surface area
•	Equipment
•	Manufacturer and cost 
•	Surface
•	Manufacturer and cost
•	Base
•	Sub-base
•	Top layer
•	Installed in-house or by contractor, hours of labor

Slide 28:
The playground site is prepared for installation of the surface.

Slide 29:
The maintenance crew begins installation of the top mat.

Slide 30:
1st On-site Measure
Surface Deficiency Score (SDS)
•	Slope exceeds 1:16 (6.25%)
•	Cross slope exceeds 1:48 (2.08%)
•	Change in level greater than ½ inch
•	Opening greater than ½ diameter

Slide 31:
A smart level is used to show the cross slope and running slope at the transfer system. Running slope less than 6.25% (1:16). Cross slope less than 2.3% (1:48).

Slide 32:
A digital smart level is used to show more than a 6% slope at the transition between the PIP and the EWF. Ground level accessible route must not exceed 6.25% (1:16).

Slide 33:
Shredded rubber has settled showing more than an inch change in level from the concrete route to the play surface. Changes in level cannot exceed ½ inch.
Changes in level from ¼ to ½ inch must be beveled.

Slide 34:
The close up of a tape measure shows an opening more than an inch wide in the PIP. Openings no greater than ½ inch sphere.

Slide 35:
A yellow wavy line is shown under the swings to illustrate the undulation and kick out areas of the EWF. Running slope less than 6.25% (1:16)
Cross slope than 2.3% (1:48)
Changes in level cannot exceed ½ inch
Changes in level from ¼ to ½ inch must be beveled
Openings cannot exceed ½ inch diameter

Slide 36:
ASTM F1951-99
•	A lab test in a controlled environment
•	Wheelchair work method
•	7% ramp used as baseline
•	Measures work per sq. ft. for straight propulsion and turning
•	Manual rehabilitation wheelchair with rider 165 + 11 lbs
•	Records data applied to pushrim over 6 ½ ft. distance

Slide 37:
In the laboratory, a man using a wheelchair pushes us a 7% incline.

Slide 38:
In the lab, a man using a wheelchair prepares to travel over a test sample of EWF.

Slide 39:
A close up of the lab test wheelchair shows the computer hooked up to the axle.

Slide 40:
In the lab test, a man using a wheelchair prepares to turn over the test sample.

Slide 41:
ASTM F1951-99
•	The surface “passes in the lab” if the work to propel across the surface and to turn is less than the work required to propel across a 7% ramp. PASS = WORK on surface sample < WORK on 7% ramp

Slide 42:
2nd On-Site Measure
Firmness & Stability
•	Rotational Penetrometer
•	Developed by Beneficial Designs as a portable field test to replace ASTM 1951.
•	Wheelchair caster set in spring loaded caliper.
•	Measures the vertical displacement of the penetrator.
Image of a woman using the rotational penetrometer on the test sample EWF.

Slide 43:
A close up of the rotational penetrometer shows the wheelchair caster in a spring loaded tri-pod being lowered into the test surface of EWF.

Slide 44:
Sample Values for Various Surface Types*
Surface Type	Firmness	Stability	
Concrete	.15 - .17	.17 - .19	
Turfgrass	.55 - .65	.69 - .79	
Carpet 
( ½ inch cut pile w/ ½ inch pad)	.32 - .43	.41 - .55	
Sand	1.13	< 1.13	
*The values are from sample surfaces that are not part of a playground installation.  

Slide 45:
The researcher uses the Rotational Penetrometer on the playground surface while being watched by a girl.

Slide 46:
3rd On-Site Measure
Impact Attenuation (Optional)
A 12-ft tripod is set up on the playground to perform the test for impact attenuation dropping a 11 lb headform to the surface.  A group of six children watch the two adults set up the surface test.

Slide 47:
Data Report
A sample of the data report for each playground site.

Slide 48:
TRIAX Report – ASTM F1292
A sample of the TRIAX report results.

Slide 49:
Key Findings
•	Cost per square foot
•	Surface Deficiency Score (SDS)
•	Firmness & Stability
•	Qualitative data

Slide 50:
Playground Sites
	Surface Area	Cost / sq ft	Total	
PIP	755 to 7,720 sq ft	$6.59 to $19.80	$30,019 to $136,065	
Tile	740 to 2,571	$8.96 to $21	$15,950 to $29,971	
EWF	1,920 to 12,510	$1 to $2.50	$4,200 to $12,500	
Hybrid	6,031 to 8,500	$7.50 to $12.65	$74,000 to $111,626	
N=35 sites

Slide 51:
Review of Values
•	Surface Deficiency Score (SDS)
•	Slope, cross slope, openings, changes in level
•	0 to 4 points
•	0 = no deficiencies identified
•	Up to 4 max deficiencies for each location
•	Firmness & stability
•	Measured in tenths-hundredths of an inch penetration into the surface

Slide 52:
A playground with PIP -- poured in place rubber surface.
PIP $6.59 -19.80
SDS Mean = .04 Mode = 0
Firmness .34531
Stability .38357
Sum .72888
Failure for impact attenuation

Slide 53:
Two bays of swings with PIP.

Slide 54:
A playground surfaced with TIL - tiles.
Tiles $8.96-21
SDS Mean = .50 Mode = 0
Firmness .27504
Stability .30989
Sum .58493
Changes in level
Separation at seams
Punctures

Slide 55:
Tiles with uneven seams.

Slide 56:
Tiles with uneven seams show openings.

Slide 57:
Puncture holes shown in TIL.

Slide 58:
Close up of puncture hole in TIL.

Slide 59:
A playground surfaced with EWF - engineered wood fiber.
EWF $ .74 – 2.50
SDS Mean = 1.94 Mode = 2
Firmness .34227
Stability .78242
Sum 1.12469
Undulating running & cross slope
Displacement
Installation instructions

Slide 60:
A researcher uses a measuring stick to measure the area around ground level equipment where the EWF has been displaced.

Slide 61:
A measuring stick is used to show the displaced EWF area under the swing.

Slide 62:
A wide shot of the playground shows the EWF properly installed in areas that had previously been displaced.

Slide 63:
A smart level shows more than 12% slope at the transition between the PIP and the EWF.

Slide 64:
A smart level shows the even transition between the PIP and the EWF.

Slide 65:
A playground surfaced with artificial grass.
HYB $7.50 – 12.65
SDS Mean = .30 Mode = 0
Firmness .41123
Stability .46081
Sum .87205
Minimal deficiencies

Slide 66:
Playground surfaced with hybrid outdoor carpet system in bright red, yellow, green and blue.

Slide 67:
Playground surfaced with hybrid system consisting of rubber top mat and base of shredded rubber contained in 2 foot by 2 foot pillows.

Slide 68:
An opening larger than 1 inch shown in the rubber top mat.

Slide 69:
Separation at seams greater than a half inch shown in the outdoor carpet.

Slide 70:
A swing with PIP. A swing with EWF. A swing with a HYB surface. A swing with shredded rubber.

Slide 71:
Key Finding(s)
No surface type was found better than others when comparing ability to meet accessibility standards with issues related to installation and maintenance.

Slide 72:
Key Findings
•	Within 12 months of installation, loose fill EWF had greatest number of deficiencies affecting accessible route (excessive running slope, cross slope, change in level).

Slide 73:
Key Findings
•	Loose fill EWF had the highest values for firmness and stability, indicating greater work force needed to move across the surface.
•	Unitary surfaces PIP and TIL had the lowest values for firmness and stability, indicating less work force necessary to move across the surface.

Slide 74:
Key Findings
•	Deficiencies (excessive running slope, cross slope, change in level) among PIP, TIL and HYB began to emerge 24-36 months after installation.

Slide 75:
Key Findings
•	Occurrences were identified where the installation did not parallel the manufacturer’s installation instructions or procedures for the laboratory test sample for ASTM F1951.

Slide 76:
Key Findings
•	A surface with fewer accessibility deficiencies and lower measurement for firmness and stability does not necessarily meet the safety standards for impact attenuation.

Slide 77:
General Findings – Design Issues
•	Inaccurate application of the accessibility standards.
•	Inefficient use of the intended accessible surface.
•	Lack of initial site survey to address changes in site elevation.
•	Deviations from design plan during construction.

Slide 78:
General Findings – Installation
•	Intensive installation requirements require contractor specialization
•	Learning curve for park personnel
•	Costs for contractor return for repairs or patches
•	Installation temperature & bonding agents

Slide 79:
A playground surfaced with EWF and TIL at the entrance.

Slide 80:	
TIL incorrectly installed under the slide do not extend the entire clear width of the slide.

Slide 81:	
Construction shows gravel and concrete base under the play structure.

Slide 82:	
The slope constructed at the slide exceeds the maximum allowable.

Slide 83:	
The final installed surface is tested at the slide with the TRIAX.

Slide 84:	
A playground site installed with PIP shows the excessive slope to the composite structure.

Slide 85:	
The profile view of the access route to the composite structure shows the slope is greater than 8 percent.

Slide 86:	
General Findings – Maintenance
•	Surface wear
•	Over-filling loose fill material without leveling and compacting
•	Puncture holes, separation at seams
•	Cross-contamination between surface materials
•	Vegetation growth in the surface material
•	Exposure of sub-base like geo-textile fabric
•	Learning curve on maintenance of various surface materials
•	Lack of maintenance information/instructions provided to owner upfront

Slide 87:	
The surface under the teeter totter is worn away.

Slide 88:	
A 1 inch gap in the seams of the TIL.

Slide 89:	
The researcher can stick his finger in the gap between the two pieces of outdoor carpet.

Slide 90:	
The seams are beginning to separate in the rubber top mat.

Slide 91:	
The smart level on the tile area shows where the tiles have begun to sink into the subsurface.

Slide 92:	
A side view of the swings.  The yellow drawn line shows the displacement of the EWF.  The dotted red line shows the level of elevation.

Slide 93:	
A playground surfaced with artificial turf grass.

Slide 94:	
General Findings – Product
•	Owner/consumer concerns with chemical composition of surface materials and whether they are truly “eco-friendly” or “green”

Slide 95:	
A playground surfaced with large chunk rubber bonded on site.

Slide 96:	
Positive Outcomes From Study
•	Creating greater awareness amongst participating owners and perspective buyers
•	Purchasing specifications
•	Surface testing
•	Maintenance forecasting
•	IPEMA position statement on installation of EWF
•	Encouraging innovation for surface product research & development

Slide 97:	
Questions?
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Slide 98:	
U.S. Access Board
(800) 872-2253 (voice)  (800) 993-2822 (TTY)
E-mail: ta@access-board.gov
jskulski@indiana.edu
www.access-board.gov
Slide 99:	
Thank you for participating in today’s webinar.
Next session: “FINAL RULE - Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards for Trails, Picnic and Camping Facilities, and Beach Access Routes” 
November 8, 2013 2:30 - 4:00 (ET)
www.accessibilityonline.org (877) 232-1990 (v/TTY)