COMMENTSĬhildren benefit from being outside as much as possible and it is important to provide sufficient outdoor space to accommodate the full enrollment of children (2). This follows the developmental ages used for the development of the Standards for play equipment for children. The space exceptions are based on early childhood and playground professionals’ experience (2). In addition, meeting proposed Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outdoor play area requirements for accessible routes, and developing natural, outdoor play yards with variety and shade can only be achieved if sufficient outdoor play space is provided. An aggregate size of greater than 4,200 square feet that includes all of a facility’s playgrounds has been associated with significantly greater levels of children’s physical activity (5). Providing more square feet per child may correspond to a decrease in the number of injuries associated with gross motor play equipment (1). Play areas must be sufficient to allow freedom of movement without collisions among active children. The outdoor playground should include an open space for running that is free of other equipment (4).
** These areas may be further sub-divided into grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-6. *These areas may be further sub-divided into ages two to three years and four to five years. There should be separated areas for play for the following ages of children: The following exceptions to the space requirements should apply:Ī minimum of thirty-three square feet of accessible outdoor play space is required for each infant Ī minimum of fifty square feet of accessible outdoor play space is required for each child from eighteen to twenty-four months of age. The playground should comprise a minimum of seventy-five square feet for each child using the playground at any one time. The facility or home should be equipped with an outdoor play area that directly adjoins the indoor facilities or that can be reached by a route that is free of hazards and is no farther than one-eighth mile from the facility. 6.1.0.1: Size and Location of Outdoor Play Area
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