August 14th, 2013
Is Your Playground ADA Compliant? Here's How to Get Accessible Fast
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 2010 became enforceable in March 2012, requiring schools, city parks, licensed child care centers, and other public spaces to ensure playground access for children of all abilities. If your school, city, or organization is still working toward ADA compliance, time of of the essence, and Noah's Park & Playgrounds is here to help you with inclusive solutions that ship fast and install easily.
ADA Compliance: What's Required?
Under the ADA, any public playground constructed or altered after March 15th, 2012 must meet specific accessibility standards. This includes accessible surfacing, entry and exit points, equipment, and transfer systems. Even playgrounds built before this date may require upgrades if they've been altered or renovated.
At a minimum, playgrounds must offer:
- An accessible path to the play area
- An accessible route within the play area
- Ground level play components accessible to children using mobility devices
- Elevated components accessed via ramps or transfer platforms
- Surfacing that is firm, stable, and slip resistant
Fast ADA Solutions from Noah's Park & Playgrounds
Need to act quickly? Noah's Park & Playgrounds offers ADA playground access ramps that are in stock and ready to ship within 1-5 business days. These durable ramps are available in a 12" and 8" option with borders designed for either height. Both options provide a compliant transition into the play area.
Noah's also offers playground border timbers designed to contain wood mulch, the most commonly used ADA compliant safety surfacing. Wood mulch provides both impact attenuation and wheelchair accessibility when maintained and installed.
Call or email us today if you need ramps, timbers, or surfacing installed at your school district, child care center, church, or city park.
Go Beyond ADA Compliance with Truly Inclusive Playgrounds
While meeting minimum ADA compliance is essential, true inclusivity goes beyond ramps and surfacing. An inclusive playground ensures that children of all abilities can play together, engaging in physical, sensory, and social activities. That's why Noah's Park & Playgrounds offers a full range of inclusive equipment to transform your space into a destination for all kids.
Inclusive Playground Structures
Our inclusive playground structures are designed for universal access, offering a mix of ground level and ramp accessible elevated components. These structures often include:
- Wide decks with guardrails
- Transfer stations for easier navigation
- Sensory panels and play panels at multiple heights
- Accessible climbers and bridges
Wheelchair Swings and Inclusive Swing Seats
Swinging is one of the most beloved playground activities, and no child should be left out. We carry inclusive swings including:
- High back, full support swing seats with harnesses
- Platform swings for multiple users
- Wheelchair platform swings for independent or assisted play
These swing types allow children with physical disabilities or sensory processing needs to enjoy the joy of motion safely and comfortably.
Accessible Stand Alone Play Equipment
For smaller spaces or enhancements to existing play areas, stand alone inclusive equipment adds a big impact. These freestanding components include:
- Ground level sensory panels
- ADA compliant musical instruments
- Inclusive spring riders and balance equipment
- Interactive games accessible from a seated or standing position
These elements help promote cognitive, emotional, and social development, key pillars of inclusive play.
Accessible Park Equipment for All Ages
Beyond play structures, parks benefit from wheelchair accessible tables, benches, and shade structures. Inclusive design should extend beyond the playground so that caregivers and families with disabilities can fully participate in outdoor recreation.
Inclusive Fitness Equipment
Encourage active lifestyles with inclusive outdoor fitness equipment suitable for youth, adults, and seniors of all ability levels. These pieces help:
- Build strength and coordination
- Support physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Promote inclusive health and wellness for the community
Choosing from accessible cardio units, upper body strength stations and more.
Designing a Playground That Promotes True Inclusion
When you plan for ADA compliance, consider long term inclusion. Here are the key principles to guide your design:
1. Equality: Provide the same opportunities to play, not just parallel play experiences.
2. Flexibility: Offer different types of play, active, quiet, tactile, and cooperative.
3. Simplicity: Ensure children can use features intuitively, regardless of ability.
4. Safety: Choose surfacing and layouts that reduce fall risks and barriers.
5. Integration: Position accessible equipment among all other play elements, not in a separate section.
By partnering with Noah's Park & Playgrounds, your space can embody these principles while meeting or exceeding ADA standards.
Don't Forget About Ongoing Maintenance
When planning your inclusive playground, it's also important to consider the long term maintenance of your ADA compliant features. Surfaces like wood mulch require regular raking and top offs to maintain proper impact attenuation and accessibility for mobility devices. Ramps, transfer platforms, and inclusive swing hardware should be inspected regularly for wear and tear, especially in high traffic areas.
Partnering with a knowledgeable supplier like Noah's Park & Playgrounds means you'll get more than just high quality equipment, you'll receive expert guidance on proper installation, routine inspections, and replacement timelines to ensure that your space remains compliant and welcoming for years to come. We're committed to helping your team navigate the complexities of ADA standards, from selecting compliant equipment to choosing the right layout and surfacing. Our team is available to help with quotes, CAD layouts, and compliance checklists. With Noah's, you don't just meet ADA requirements, you create a space where children of all abilities can safety explore, connect, and thrive together.
Compliance Today, Community Impact for Years to Come
ADA compliance isn't just a legal requirement, it's an opportunity to build community, support diversity, and demonstrate leadership in inclusion. Whether you need a fast fix with a compliant ramp or a fill inclusive playground redesign, Noah's Park & Playgrounds is your go to resource.
We're proud to support schools, churches, daycares, municipalities, and developers in creating accessible environments where every child can play, learn, and grow.
Ready to get started?
Let's discuss your project and get fast shipping on ADA access ramps and border timbers or start planning your inclusive playground today!