TM 5-803-11/AFJMAN 32-10139
(5) Conflict of Use. Conflict of use is a major
(3) Primary Pathways Within Play Areas. Pri-
safety factor if bikeways are not separated from
mary pathways connect various play area compo-
circulation paths, play areas, or vehicular traffic.
nents, such as manufactured play equipment, sand
Separate bike lanes or fast and slow lanes are rec-
play, and dramatic play.
ommended for primary bikeways that may be used
(a) LOOP Pathways. Loop pathways are pre-
for high speed travel.
ferred to accommodate continuity of movement. In-
cluding branches and decision points increases the
(6) Bike Racks. Bike racks should be selected
that are not tempting as a climbing structure.
child development opportunities provided.
(7) Lighting. Lighting should be provided along
(b) Bikeways. Primary pathways should be
designed to accommodate wheeled toys and bikes.
all primary pathways intended for night use.
In large parks and play areas where heavy bike
(8) Drainage Grates. Drainage grates should be
traffic is anticipated, a separate bikeway may be
designed to prevent incorrect placement of grates by
constructed adjacent to primary pathways.
maintenance staff.
d. Maintenance Level. The level of maintenance
(4) Auxiliary Pathways Within Play Areas.
Auxiliary or secondary pathways allow children to
required for this play area component is moderate.
explore the environment. Surfacing materials, such
9-5. Sports and Games.
as packed soil, gravel, and woodchips, which pro-
vide more challenge for children with disabilities,
Ball play is a universally popular play activity.
may be used on auxiliary pathways. Auxiliary path-
The popularity of ball games varies with the sea-
ways can accommodate a variety of play activities,
sons. Many ball play areas serve more than one
including hiking, biking, wheeled toy play, interpre-
function during the year. For example, some ball
tive activities, and hide and chase games. An auxil-
play areas accommodate both baseball and soccer.
iary pathway with more challenging terrain can
Guidance for the planning and design of outdoor
also serve as an adventure bike path for youth age 9
sports facilities is provided in TM 580310/AFM
to 15.
8833.
a. Design Elements. Sports and games compo-
(5) Bicycle parking. Bicycle parking areas
should be located adjacent to pathways, but away
nents may include: multiple use hard surfaces or
from congested pedestrian areas. Bike racks should
turf areas required for specific sports and games,
be provided.
surfacing, ball walls, fences, vegetation, drinking
fountains, storage, lighting, seating, and trash re-
(6) Textures. Changes in pathway texture may
be used to indicate an interesting design feature,
ceptacles.
seating area, or sign location, or may serve as a
(1) Multiple Use. Designs that can accommo-
warning texture for individuals with visual disabili-
date more than one type of sport, as well as commu-
ties. Changes may be achieved by use of a different
nity events, such as picnics and festivals, are pre-
paving material, varied paving treatment such as
ferred. An irregular boundary that accommodates
multiple score joints, or a contrasting pavement
the estimated distance of ball travel and is defined
color.
by a vegetative barrier adds visual interest and
encourages multiple use.
(7) Service Vehicle Access. A minimum 3 to 3.6
m (10- to 12-foot) wide maintenance access point
(2) Surfacing. Surfacing is an essential consid-
should be provided.
eration. Hard surfaces are required for some ball
b. Recommended Ages. All ages will use path-
games. Turf is preferable for other sports and
ways.
games.
c. Safety Concerns.
(3) Ball Walls. Ball walls should be provided at
a height of 3 to 3.6 m (10 to 12 feet) to contain balls.
(1) Crosswalks. Auditory warnings and traffic
lights are recommended at busy street crossings.
Several walls may be provided. Curved walls add
interest. Ball walls also make excellent surfaces for
(2) Dead-Ends and Congested Pathways. Avoid
murals.
creating dead-ends or inadequate, congested path-
ways where users might collide.
(4) Limited Space. Sports and games compo-
nents, such as half-court basketball, can be pro-
(3) Pathways Within Use Zones. Synthetic
safety surfacing that is stable, firm, and slip-
vided even when available space does not accommo-
resistant will be installed on pathways within play
date full-size sports fields. Smaller courts are easier
equipment use zones.
to incorporate into an irregular layout and are often
in high demand. When space allows, a full-size
(4) Bold Patterns or Colors. Bold patterns, such
court may be provided that can also function as two
as checkerboards, or bright colors that may be dis-
half-courts. Badminton and volleyball do not re-
orienting over a continuous pathway surface should
quire special court surfaces or regulation dimen-
be avoided.
9-2
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