Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails

Surfaces for Outdoor Recreation Access Routes

The surface of an outdoor recreation access route and the surface surrounding constructed features must be firm and stable. No exceptions are allowed. Slip resistance is not required because leaves and needles, dirt, ice, snow, and other surface debris and weather conditions are components of the natural environment and would be difficult, if not impossible, to avoid.

• A firm surface resists deformation by indentations.

• A stable surface is not permanently affected by expected weather conditions and can sustain normal wear and tear from the expected use(s) of the area between planned maintenance cycles.

Firm and stable surfaces prevent assistive devices from sinking into the surface. Surfaces that are not firm and stable make travel difficult for a person using crutches, a cane, a wheelchair, or other assistive device. In the accessibility guidelines, the standard assistive device is the wheelchair because its dimensions, multiple moving surface contact points and four wheels often are difficult to accommodate. If a person using a wheelchair can use an area, most other people also can use that area.

During the planning process, potential surface materials should be evaluated for noticeable distortion or compression during the season(s) of managed use and for stability under normal weather conditions and expected uses. If the surface won't remain firm and stable, another surface material should be used.

If the natural soils won't provide a firm and stable surface, soil stabilizer or artificial surfacing will be needed. The Forest Service technology and development report, "Soil Stabilizers on Universally Accessible Trails," contains information about the effectiveness of soil stabilizers. It is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs/pdf/00231202.pdf or http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/00231202/.