A Longitudinal Study of Playground Surfaces to Evaluate Accessibility - Final Report

Instrumentation for Analysis

Four instruments were used for data collection.  First the owner was sent information sheet on the protocol for the study (Appendix A).  Upon installation, the playground owner completed a questionnaire (Appendix B) on the type, size and intended age group of the playground, the total cost for the equipment, surface materials and installation.  An on-site inspection form (Appendix C) was created to collect information on the nine locations identifying deficiencies in slope, cross slope, changes in level and openings in the surface.  Following the visual inspection of the nine locations, testing for wheelchair accessibility specific to firmness and stability was conducted with the application of a Rotational Penetrometer (RP).  A third form was developed to collect data on firmness and stability (Appendix D).  Testing for impact attenuation per ASTM F1292‒99/04 was conducted as an optional test at the discretion of the playground owner using the TRIAX 2000.  This data was reported to the playground owner in the format prescribed by the ASTM F1292‒99/04 test protocol.