TM 5-803-11/AFJMAN 32-10139
considered during this selection process. This list
ment of their bodies through space in a continuous
identifies which play area components are appropri-
sequence. Providing connection between play area
ate for a given age group. It also lists those compo-
components facilitates this developmental task dur-
nents which are required for all age groups. These
ing play. Linkage and flow between play area compo-
components must support child safety and child de-
nents should be enhanced by maintaining appropri-
velopment, and must be accessible to children with
ate play area relationships and by designing
disabilities. The selected components should be
pathways that connect all play area components.
identified in the design criteria report.
b. Accessibility to Children and Adults With Dis-
b. Manufactured Play Equipment. Table 4-2 pro-
abilities. Play area components will be accessible to
vides recommendations for age appropriate play
children and adults with disabilities. In addition to
events. Table 43 summarizes primary play activi-
wheelchair users, the needs of children and adults
ties supported by play events. Chapter 10 describes
who walk with canes, walkers, or crutches; who have
how to adapt manufactured play equipment to meet
limited use of the upper body; who have visual or
the needs of children with disabilities.
hearing disabilities; or who have developmental dis-
abilities will be considered. A diverse play area that
4-7. Determine Space Requirements.
includes a variety of play area components has the
The space requirements for the selected play area
greatest potential for meeting the needs of all users.
components should be determined. Child safety and
Rather than developing separate "handicapped" play
appropriate play area relationships should be con-
areas, integrating all children in the same play set-
sidered. Guidance for determining space require-
ting will be emphasized. Most play area components
ments for manufactured play equipment is provided
can be made accessible. This manual provides guide-
in this manual. The play area space requirements
lines for designing play areas to meet the needs of
will be presented in the design criteria report.
children with and without disabilities.
c. Maintenance and Cost. Maintenance require-
4-8. Reevaluate the Site.
ments and cost are additional considerations in se-
Once the design criteria is identified, the designer
lecting play area components.
should reevaluate the suitability of the site to meet
(1) Maintenance Requirements. Play area com-
identified needs.
ponents require varying levels of maintenance. On-
going maintenance is critical to sustaining safe play
4-9. Coordinate with the Play Area Committee.
areas for children. During the design process, play
The designer should present the findings of the
area maintenance requirements should be consid-
design criteria report to the play area committee for
ered and defined. Designers will select play area
review and comment.
components that match the available maintenance
resources. On installations with few maintenance
Table 4-1. Priority Play Area Components by Age.
resources, low maintenance components should be
selected.
(2) Cost. The initial cost, anticipated useful life,
and the maintenance cost should all be considered
when selecting play area components. The sum of
these costs represents the life cycle cost of the play
area component. For example, sand safety surfacing
has a low initial cost. However, when the anticipated
useful life and maintenance costs of the surface are
considered, this surface may not always provide the
best value when compared to other safety surfaces.
When needed to guide decision-making, a life cycle
cost comparison should be prepared to help identify
the most economical component.
4-6. Select Play Area Components.
Based on the findings of the user needs analysis
and the site analysis, and the goals for the play
area, play area components will be selected to meet
X- Components necessary for all play areas.
the needs of the selected age group.
a. Age Appropriate Play Area Components. Table
4-1 identifies play area components that should be
4-3
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