Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Analysis and Commenta ry o n the 2010 ADAStandards Accessible Miniature Golf Course Holes. A commenter recommended that Sections 239.2 and 1007.3 of the 2010 the Department closely examine the Standards require at least fifty percent (50%) requirements for ground surfaces at play of golf holes on miniature golf courses to be areas. The Department is aware that there accessible, including providing a clear floor or is an ongoing controversy about play area ground space that is 48 inches minimum by ground surfaces arising from a concern 60 inches minimum with slopes not steeper that some surfaces that meet the ASTM than 1:48 at the start of play. requirements at the time of installation will become inaccessible if they do not receive 240 and 1008 Play Areas constant maintenance. The Access Board is also aware of this issue and is working to Section 240 of the 2010 Standards provides develop a portable field test that will provide scoping for play areas and section 1008 more relevant information on installed play provides technical requirements for play surfaces. The Department would caution areas. Section 240.1 of the 2010 Standards covered entities selecting among the sets requirements for play areas for children ground surfacing materials that comply ages 2 and over and covers separate play with the ASTM requirements that they must areas within a site for specific age groups. anticipate the maintenance costs that will Section 240.1 also provides four exceptions be associated with some of the products. to the requirements that apply to family Permitting a surface to deteriorate so that it child care facilities, relocation of existing does not meet the 2010 Standards would be play components in existing play areas, an independent violation of the Department’s amusement attractions, and alterations to ADA regulations. play components where the ground surface is not altered. Accessible Route to Play Components. Section 206.2.17 of the 2010 Standards Ground Surfaces. Section 1008.2.6 of provides scoping requirements for accessible the 2010 Standards provides technical routes to ground level and elevated play requirements for accessible ground surfaces components and to soft contained play for play areas on accessible routes, structures. Sections 240.2 and 1008 of the clear floor or ground spaces, and turning 2010 Standards require that accessible spaces. These ground surfaces must follow routes be provided for play components. The special rules, incorporated by reference accessible route must connect to at least one from nationally recognized standards for ground level play component of each different accessibility and safety in play areas, type provided (e.g., for different experiences including those issued by the American such as rocking, swinging, climbing, Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). spinning, and sliding). Table 240.2.1.2 sets 158 - Guidance on the 2010 Standards: Titles II and III Department of Justice