Putting our best foot forward is a slogan that is taking on new meaning in many Chicago suburbs' playgrounds. Increasingly, park designers are trying to plan for the play needs of all children, not just those are are not disabled. With the passage of The Americans With Disabilities Act, public parks and playgrounds will come under more scrutiny for the accessibility of their features.

In planning a play area for all children, park designers are discovering that a playground for all is still an art form rather than an exact science. One must juggle safety, play appeal, vandalism, and maintenance concerns, as well as the unique needs of children with disabilities. Luckily, the appeal of such a playground is positive and one that local businesses and service clubs will support. The Wheaton Rotary Club raised $65,000 towards Wheaton's Northside Park The Naperville Jaycees have pledged $45,000 towards an accessible playground on the Riverwalk in that town.

A recent survey of suburban special recreation associations revealed that there are at least 25 local playgrounds that have accessible elements.

Creating an accessible playground is a difficult task. Every child using this playground will have different needs. Some children will need absolutely no modifications, while others would benefit from accessible considerations and a variety of equipment. The accessible aspects of the surveyed playgrounds are divided into three areas: parking and access to parks; playground equipment; and other park features.

Parking and access to the park

Any facility which provides marked parking for employees and/or visitors must provide accessible parking. This requirement has been in effect since 1968, the effective date of the Facilities for the Handicapped Act. The current code, the Illinois Accessibility Code, effective May 1, 1988, requires a minimum number of accessible parking spaces.

Handicapped parking spaces designated prior to July 1,1988, are required to be 12 feet, 6 inches wide inclusive of a 4 feet, 6 inch access aisle. As of July 1, 1988, in compliance with the Illinois Vehicle Code, Sec. 11-20.1, each parking space shall be at least 16 feet wide, including an access aisle 8 feet wide. Adjacent parking spaces for individuals with disabilities shall not share a common access aisle.

Signs to designate accessible parking spaces shall be vertically mounted on a post or wall and should be set 4 feet from the bottom of the sign to the ground. A sign, measuring 6 inches by 12 inches, with the warning, "$50 Fine" shall be mounted directly below the parking sign.

Common sense suggests that these parking spaces should be located close to the entrance to the park or playground on a flat surface and that sidewalks should have the appropriate curb cuts to allow for passage of wheelchair users. People pushing strollers and using canes and walkers will also appreciate these accommodations.

Playground equipment

Surface material is one of the areas in playground design that still needs improvement. The ideal surface would be a low cost material that cushions falls, couldn't be vandalized, provides a flat, even surface for wheelchair maneuvering, and requires little maintenance. Planners are experimenting with mats, wood chips, pea gravel and combinations of these. Unfortunately, wheelchairs cannot maneuver through many loose particle areas such as sand.

Slides that can accommodate two people at one time are helpful for parents who want to accompany their children down the slide. A longer lip on the slide allows more room to slow down for children who lack lower body strength. There are still problems at the top of the slide with wheelchairs that needs attention like the width of the upper platform. The slide exit should allow for easy entry to the upper play structure. Ramps to upper platforms should be at least 3 feet wide and are more useful if they are wider than that. Equipment should include handrails and, if possible, toerails to prevent chairs from slipping off. Smooth transition plates will aid movement between different parts of a play structure.

Swings provide one of the most exhilarating sensations on a playground. Our observations have led us to conclude that no particular swing type would meet all childrens' needs. Consequently, in planning, many types of designs should be used that include back supports that hold children in the swings. Supervised playgrounds may want to make use of a removable mesh swing which can be used in tandem with chain-link swings.

Low, short ramps provide access to play structures for wheelchair users and some of the parks created natural looking berm areas to develop the ramp system. The addition of ramps may create an invitation to skateboards and bikes. Playground equipment manufacturers are creating a number of interesting pieces that can be added to ramped platforms or transition areas such as periscopes, binoculars, steering wheels, roulette, tic-tac-toe boards, etc., to provide interest for children who might not be able to use other equipment.

Water play areas provide an escape from summer heat and an alternative to more traditional pieces. Look for equipment that allows the child to mix sand and water and avoid pieces where water spillways create a slippery surface.

Spring-based equipment has greatly evolved from the immovable spring animals and dangerous seesaws of the past. Newer models have flat seats and back supports.

Some wheelchair users play tennis and/or basketball, and paths should lead to the courts. Paths should be a minimum of 3 feet wide. Accessible piers are also available if your park area allows fishing.

Other park features

Signs play an important role in parks for safety, equipment use and denoting bathrooms for individuals with disabilities. Accessible picnic tables and water fountains are available. Gardens, raised and scented, provide another attraction for park users. Shade and shelters provide an escape from summer heat for older users or people who suffer from sun sensitivity.

As park planners design park areas and playgrounds, they must take into consideration the variety of users who will take advantage of the park system. We must put our best foot and wheels forward so our parks are available to all.

About the Authors
Jane Hodgkinson is Executive Director of Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. Tammy Longacre is a recent graduate of Illinois State University, Normal, with a bachelor's degree in recreation and park administration.