4.0 CONSTRUCTED FEATURES IN RECREATION SITES
4.1.1 General
Where picnic tables are provided, each shall comply with section 4.1.
Exception. In alterations, where a condition for exception in section 1.1 prohibits full compliance with a specific requirement for clear floor or ground space surface slope, size, or location, the clear floor or ground space shall comply with requirements to the extent practicable.
4.1.2 Number of Wheelchair Seating Spaces.
Each picnic table shall have at least one wheelchair seating space. Picnic tables shall have at least one wheelchair seating space for each 24 linear feet (7 linear m) of usable table surface perimeter as shown in table 4.1.2. Each wheelchair seating space shall comply with section 4.1.3 through 4.1.6.
| Table Top Perimeter | Typical Table Length (for 2 ft. 6 in. table width) | Number of Wheelchair Seating Spaces Required |
| Up to 24 linear ft. (7 linear meters) | Up to a 9-ft. table (3 meters) | 1 spaces |
| 24 to 48 linear ft. (7 to 15 meters) | 10- to 20-ft. table (3.1 to 6 meters) | 2 spaces |
| 48 to 72 linear ft. (15 to 22 meters) | Typically custom-built table | 3 spaces |
| 72 to 96 linear ft. (22 to 29 meters) | Typically custom-built table | 4 spaces |
| 96 to 120 linear ft. (29 to 37 meters) | Typically custom-built table | 5 spaces |
4.1.3 Wheelchair Seating Space.
Knee space for wheelchair seating shall be at least 27 inches (685 mm) high, 30 inches (760 mm) wide, and 19 inches (485 mm) deep. Toe clearance of at least 9 inches (230 mm) in height shall extend at least an additional 5 inches (125 mm) from the knee clearance. Clear floor or ground space that is at least 30 inches by 48 inches shall be provided at each seating space that is required to be accessible and positioned for a forward approach to the table.
4.1.4 Clear Floor or Ground Space.
At least 48 inches (1220 mm) of clear floor or ground space shall surround the usable sides of a picnic table, measured from the back edge of the benches. This space may overlap the ORAR.
Exception. The clear floor or ground space for a picnic table may be reduced to no less than 36 inches (915 mm) where one or more conditions for an exception in section 1.1 exist.
4.1.5 Slope.
The slope of the surface of the clear floor or ground space around a picnic table shall not exceed 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction.
Exception. When the surface is not paved or is not elevated above the natural ground, grades not steeper than 1:33 (3 percent) shall be permitted where necessary for drainage.
4.1.6 Surface.
The surface of the clear floor or ground space shall be firm and stable. The type of surface should be appropriate to the setting and level of development.
4.2.1 General.
Where fire rings, grills, fireplaces, or woodstoves are provided, each shall comply with section 4.2.
Exception. In alterations, where a condition for exception in section 1.1 prohibits full compliance with a specific requirement for clear floor or ground space surface, slope, size, or location, the clear floor or ground space shall comply with requirements to the extent practicable.
4.2.2 Cooking Surface Height.
The cooking surface shall be at least 15 inches (380 mm) and no more than 34 inches (865 mm) above the floor or ground surface.
4.2.3 Operable Parts.
Operable parts shall comply with the operable parts requirements in ABAAS sections 308 and 309.4.
Exception: Fire rings, grills, fireplaces, and wood stoves shall not be required to comply with ABAAS section 309.4 until models that comply are readily available from more than one source.
4.2.4 Height of Fire-Building Surface.
The fire-building surface within a fire ring shall be at least 9 inches (230 mm) above the floor or ground.
4.2.5 Raised Edge.
Where fire rings, grills, or fireplaces are constructed with raised edges or walls, the depth of the raised edge or wall shall be 10 inches (255 mm) maximum.
4.2.6 Clear Floor or Ground Space.
At least 48 inches (1220 mm) by 48 inches (1220 mm) of clear floor or ground space shall be provided on all usable sides of fire rings, grills, fireplaces or woodstoves. This space must be adjacent to the ORAR but may not overlap the ORAR, due to safety considerations.
Exception. The clear floor or ground space at fire rings, grills, fireplaces, or woodstoves may be reduced to no less than 36 inches (915 mm), where a condition for an exception in section 1.1 exists.
4.2.7 Surface.
The surface of the clear floor or ground space shall be firm and stable. The type of surface should be appropriate to the setting and level of development.
4.2.8 Slope.
The slope of the clear floor or ground space required by section 4.2.6 shall not exceed 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction.
Exception. When the surface is not paved or is not elevated above the natural ground, slopes not steeper than 1:33 (3 percent) shall be permitted where necessary for drainage.
4.3.1 General.
Tent platforms are not required. Where provided, tent pads and tent platforms at single camping units shall comply with section 4.3 and shall be connected to an ORAR complying with section 2.0. Where camping units contain more than one tent pad or tent platform, at least 20 percent, but not less than two, of the tent pads or tent platforms shall comply with section 4.3.
4.3.2 Clear Floor or Ground Space.
Tent pads and tent platforms shall have clear floor or ground space surrounding the tent that is at least 48 inches (1220 mm) wide. This space shall not overlap the ORAR.
Exception. Where a condition for exception in section 1.1 prohibits full compliance, the clear floor or ground space shall comply with 4.3.2 to the extent practicable.
4.3.3 Slope.
The slope of tent pads and tent platforms shall not exceed 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction.
Exception. When the surface is not paved or is not elevated above the natural ground, slopes not steeper than 1:33 (3 percent) shall be permitted where necessary for drainage.
4.3.4 Tent Pad or Platform Surface.
Tent pads and platforms shall have a surface that is firm and stable and is designed to allow use of tent stakes and other tent securing devices.
Exception. Where a condition for exception in section 1.1 prohibits full compliance, the surface shall comply with 4.3.4 to the extent practicable
4.3.5 Transfer Height.
Tent platform surfaces that are not the same elevation as the ORAR shall be between 17 inches (430 mm) minimum and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum above the floor or ground surface adjacent to the ORAR to facilitate transfer from a wheelchair to the tent platform.
4.4.1 General.
Where benches are provided, each shall comply with section 4.4. At least 20 percent of the benches provided at a recreation site shall be connected to an ORAR complying with section 2.0.
Exception 1. Section 4.3.1 does not apply to built-in benches provided in assembly areas such as amphitheaters. These benches are covered by sections F221.2.1.1, F221.2.2, and 903 of the ABAAS.
Exception 2. In alterations, where a condition for exception in section 1.1 prohibits full compliance with a specific requirement for clear floor or ground space surface, slope, size, or location, the clear floor or ground space shall comply with requirements to the extent practicable.
4.4.2 Height.
The front edge of the seat of a bench shall be at least 17 inches (430 mm) and no more than 19 inches (485 mm) above the floor or ground.
4.4.3 Backrest and Armrest.
When more than one bench is provided in the same area, at least 50 percent of the benches shall have a backrest running the full length of the bench. In addition, one armrest shall be provided at one end or in the middle of at least 50 percent of the benches with backrests. The structural strength of backs, armrests, and mounting devices shall comply with section 903.6 of the ABAAS, which states: “Allowable stresses shall not be exceeded for materials used when a vertical or horizontal force of 250 pounds (1112 N) is applied at any point on the seat, fastener, mounting device or supporting structure.”
4.4.4 Clear Floor or Ground Space.
A clear floor or ground space of 36 inches (915 mm) by 48 inches (1220 mm) shall be located at an end the bench with one side of the space adjoining an accessible route, outdoor recreation access route, trail, or beach access route. The long dimension of the clear space shall be roughly perpendicular to the length of the bench.
Locate the clear space to provide shoulder alignment between a person sitting on the bench and a person seated in a wheelchair occupying the clear space. Shoulder alignment generally can be achieved by positioning the back of the bench so it is 8 inches (200 millimeters) closer to the outdoor recreation access route, trail, or beach access route than the back of the required clear floor or ground space adjacent to the end of the bench.
The clear floor or ground space shall not overlap the outdoor recreation access route or trail.
4.4.5 Slope.
The slope of the clear floor or ground space for benches shall not exceed 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction.
Exception. When the surface is not paved or is not elevated above the natural ground, slopes not steeper than 1:33 (3 percent) shall be permitted where necessary for drainage.
4.4.6 Surface.
The surface of the clear floor or ground space for benches shall be firm and stable. The type of surface should be appropriate to the setting and level of development.
4.5.1 General.
Where trash, recycling, and other essential containers are provided, each shall comply with section 4.5.
Exception 1. Fifty percent of the bins in multi-bin containers are exempt from section 4.5.1.
Exception 2. In alterations, where a condition for exception in section 1.1 prohibits full compliance with a specific requirement for clear floor or ground space surface, slope, size, or location, the clear floor or ground space shall comply with requirements to the extent practicable.
4.5.2 Clear Floor or Ground Space.
A clear floor or ground space shall be provided for each trash, recycling, and other essential container. The space shall be positioned for either forward or side approach to the container opening and be adjacent to or overlap the ORAR.
4.5.2.1 Forward Approach.
The clear floor or ground space for a forward approach shall be 36 inches (915 mm) by 48 inches (1220 mm).
4.5.2.2 Side Approach.
The clear floor or ground space for a side approach shall be 30 inches (760 mm) by 60 inches (1525 mm).
4.5.3 Slope.
The slope of the clear floor or ground space for trash, recycling, and other essential containers shall not exceed 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction.
Exception. When the surface is not paved or is not elevated above the natural ground, slopes not steeper than 1:33 (3 percent) shall be permitted where necessary for drainage.
4.5.4 Surface.
The surface of the clear floor or ground space for trash, recycling, and other essential containers shall be firm and stable. The type of surface should be appropriate to the setting and level of development.
4.5.5 Controls and Operating Mechanisms.
Controls and operating mechanisms shall comply with the operable parts requirements in sections 308 and 309.4 of the ABAAS.
Exception. Trash and recycling containers with hinged lids and controls designed to keep out large animals shall not be required to comply with the operable parts requirements in ABAAS section 309.4 until models that comply are readily available from more than one source.
4.5.6 Openings.
Openings in the clear floor or ground space surface shall not allow passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) diameter. Where possible, elongated openings should be placed perpendicular, or as close to perpendicular as possible, to the dominant direction of travel.
4.6.1 General.
Where telescopes or periscopes are provided, no fewer than two telescopes or periscopes shall be provided at each distinct viewing location in a viewing area. At least one telescope or periscope for each viewing location shall comply with 4.6. The other telescopes shall be usable from a standing position. Telescopes or periscopes at different heights can be mounted separately or on a single pedestal.
Exception. In alterations, where a condition for exception in section 1.1 prohibits full compliance with a specific requirement for clear floor or ground space surface, slope, size, or location, the clear floor or ground space shall comply with requirements to the extent practicable.
4.6.2 Operable Parts.
Controls and operating mechanisms for telescopes and periscopes that are useable from a seated position shall comply with the operable parts requirements in sections 308 and 309.4 of the ABAAS.
4.6.3 Eyepiece.
The eyepiece for the telescope or periscope that is usable from a seated position for viewing each point of interest shall be positioned 43 inches (1090 mm) minimum and 51 inches (1295 mm) maximum above the floor or ground surface.
4.6.4 Clear Floor or Ground Space.
The clear floor or ground space for telescopes and periscopes shall be at least 36 inches (915 mm) by 48 inches (1220 mm) positioned for forward approach to the telescope or periscope, and be located adjacent to an ORAR. Knee and toe clearance complying with ABAAS section 306 shall be provided under the telescope or periscope. Clear floor or ground space shall be positioned so that the eyepiece of the telescope or periscope is centered on the space.
4.6.5 Slope.
The slope of the clear floor or ground space required by section 4.6.4 shall not exceed 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction.
Exception. When the surface is not paved or is not elevated above the natural ground, slopes not steeper than 1:33 (3 percent) shall be permitted where necessary for drainage.
4.6.6 Surface.
The surface of the clear floor or ground space required by section 4.6.4 shall be firm and stable. The type of surface should be appropriate to the setting and level of development.
4.6.7 Openings.
Openings in the clear floor or ground space surface shall not allow passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) diameter. Where possible, elongated openings should be placed perpendicular, or as close to perpendicular as possible, to the dominant direction of travel.
4.7.1 General.
Electric, water, sewage, and other types of utilities shall comply with section 4.7. All utilities required to be accessible shall be connected to an ORAR complying with section 2.0.
Exception. In alterations, where a condition for exception in section 1.1 prohibits full compliance with a specific requirement for clear floor or ground space surface, slope, size, or location, the clear floor or ground space shall comply with requirements to the extent practicable.
4.7.2 Controls and Operating Mechanisms.
Controls and operating mechanisms shall comply with the operable parts requirements in sections 308 and 309.4 of the ABAAS.
Exception 1. Water hydrants and water utility hookups shall not be required to comply with the operable parts requirements in ABAAS section 309.4 until models that comply are readily available from more than one source.
Exception 2. Sewage hatches shall not be required to comply with the operable parts requirements in ABAAS sections 308 and 309.4.
4.7.3 Slope.
The slope of the clear floor or ground spaces required by section 4.0 shall not exceed 1:48 (2 percent) in any direction.
Exception. When the surface is not paved or is not elevated above the natural ground, slopes not steeper than 1:33 (3 percent) shall be permitted where necessary for drainage.
4.7.4 Surface.
The surface of the clear floor or ground spaces required by section 4.0 shall be firm and stable. The type of surface should be appropriate to the setting and level of development.
4.7.5 Openings.
Openings in surface of the clear floor or ground spaces required by section 2.0 shall not allow passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) in diameter. Where possible, elongated openings should be placed perpendicular, or as close to perpendicular as possible, to the dominant direction of travel.
4.7.6 Water Hydrant Clear Floor or Ground Space.
Clear floor or ground space around a water hydrant shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) by 72 inches (1830 mm) with the long side of the space adjoining an outdoor recreation access route, trail, beach access route, or another clear ground space. The clear space at the water hydrant shall not overlap the outdoor recreation access route, trail or beach access route leading to or passing that water hydrant.
4.7.7 Water Spouts.
Water spouts shall be located in the space so that the water spout is 11 inches (280 mm) minimum and 12 inches (305 mm) maximum from the rear center of the long side of the clear floor or ground space. Water spouts must be 28 inches (710 mm) minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) maximum above the ground or floor.
4.7.8 Utility and Dump Station Hookup Clear Floor or Ground Space.
The clear floor or ground space around utility and dump station hookups shall be at least 30 inches (760 mm) by 60 inches (1525 mm). The clear space shall be located with the long side of the space adjoining or overlapping an accessible parking space or accessible pull-up space for recreational vehicles, or an ORAR connecting the accessible vehicle pull-up space to the hookups. Hookups shall be located at the rear center of the space. Clear spaces of adjacent utility hookups may overlap. Bollards or other barriers shall not obstruct the clear floor or ground space in front of the hook-ups.
4.7.9.1 General.
Where utility sinks are provided in a recreation facility that also contains a cook top or conventional range, at least 5 percent, but not less than one in each accessible space, shall comply with section 4.7.9 and shall be connected to an ORAR complying with section 2.0.
4.7.9.2 Clear Floor or Ground Space.
Clear floor or ground space 48 inches (1220 mm) by 30 inches (760 mm) oriented for a forward or parallel approach shall be provided for utility sinks required to meet 4.7.9. This space shall not overlap the ORAR.
4.7.9.3 Height.
The counter or rim of the sink shall be no more than 34 inches (865 mm) above the floor or ground. Water spouts must be 28 inches (710 mm) minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) maximum above the ground or floor.
4.7.9.4 Depth.
The bottom of the bowl shall be at least 15 inches (380 mm) above the floor or ground.
4.8.1 General.
Outdoor rinsing showers shall provide a hand-held shower spray unit complying with ABAAS section 608.6.
Exception: In facilities where vandalism is a consideration, two fixed shower heads may be provided instead of the hand-held shower spray. One fixed showerhead shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) above the floor or ground surface, and one fixed shower head shall be 72 inches (1830 mm) minimum above the floor or ground surface.
4.8.2 Clear Floor or Ground Space.
The clear floor or ground space around outdoor rinsing showers shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) by 60 inches (1525 mm). The space shall be centered on the showerhead and located so that the showerhead is at the rear of the space.
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