Accessible Play Areas - A Summary of Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas

4. Do the carpet requirements of Section 302.2 apply to ground level accessible routes within a play area?

No. Accessible playground surfaces, including turf-like surfaces, must meet the requirements of ASTM F 1951-99. Within the play area, the provisions applying to “carpet” in Section 302 are replaced by the performance standard in ASTM F 1951-99. ASTM F 1951-99 measures the effort of work required to propel a mobility device across a surface. Where carpet is used outside of the play area, it must meet the provisions of Section 302.2. (Information of how to obtain a copy of the American Society for Testing and Materials referenced standards are available in Question 22).