TM 5-803-11/AFJMAN 32-10139
9-14. Signage.
d. Maintenance Level. The level of maintenance
required for this play area component is high due to
Signs should communicate information to people
possible erosion and handmowing requirements.
of all ages and abilities. Signs should be colorful and -
playful.
9-13. Separation and Barriers.
a. Design Elements. Signs may be informative,
Separation and barriers should be used to define
directional, or regulatory.
the spatial organization of the site, to define the
(1) Informative Signs. Informative signs
pattern movement, to enclose play component ar-
present general information both with text and
eas, and to protect plantings. Barriers, such as low
graphics for those who cannot read. Signs may ad-
walls or vegetation, should be used to separate age
dress the site layout and programs available at the
groups with conflicting safety needs or to prevent
site. Signs can educate people about the historic or
circulation through high activity areas.
natural site features. Temporary signs, such as ban-
a. Design Elements. Design elements may in-
ners, may be used to advertise special events. Iden-
clude: fencing, gates, pathways, vegetation, contain-
tification signs present information in both words
ment barriers, play walls, and art displays.
and pictograms to identify specific features or facil-
(1) Height. Separation and barriers should be
ities.
high enough to stop direct forward movement into
(2) Directional Signs. Directional signs indi-
areas where traffic or adjacent land use features
cate directions to a space or facility. Arrows or other
could create a hazard.
graphic symbols should be used. Directional signs
(2) Materials. Materials that support the de-
should be located at the site entry and all decision
sign purpose should be selected. Separation and
points.
barriers may be transparent or solid. Undesirable
(3) Regulatory Signs. Regulatory signs present
views can be screened with solid barriers. Barriers
notification of rules, requirements, warnings, and
may be metal, wood, chainlink, mesh, concrete, or
restrictions, and are used for traffic delineation and
vegetative.
control. Regulatory signs may be used to convey
(3) Play Elements. Play experiences may be in-
safety information, such as the intended age group
corporated into the design of fencing and barriers
for a play area.
where appropriate. For example, peek-a-boo holes,
(4) Design. Graphic signs should be empha-
chalking surfaces, child-created mosaic walls, and
sized, especially for child-oriented or child-designed
murals may be incorporated. Nooks and hangouts
signs. International characters and symbols should
may be formed by varying fence lines.
be used when possible. Although there are no stan-
(4) Appearance. Highly visible separation and
dardized graphic signs for playground areas, the
barriers should be attractive from adjacent sites.
American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) has
Shrub plantings, ground covers, and vines should be
evaluated symbols used in transportation-related
used to screen unsightly fences.
facilities and at international events. Based on their
b. Recommended Ages. Separation and barriers
analysis, a standardized set of graphic symbols for
should be provided for all ages when needed.
public services, concessions, regulations, and
c. Safety Concerns. The following safety concerns
transportation-related processing activities was de-
veloped. Some of these symbols may be appropriate
apply:
for playground signage, such as the symbols devel-
(1) Enclosure. When fencing is required to pro-
oped for restrooms, drinking fountains, parking/no
tect children from hazards, such as traffic or bodies
parking, no pets, no entry/exit, and litter disposal.
of water, fences should be a minimum height of
Refer to Symbol Signs (AIGA) for guidance.
1200 mm (48 inches). Fencing and gate designs that
(5) Play Activities. Signs may be designed as
can be easily climbed or crawled through should be
play activities with tactile, auditory, interactive, or
avoided.
manipulative parts.
(2) Visibility. Visibility into the play area
b. Recommended Ages. Signage is used by chil-
should be provided from more than one location.
dren 2 years and older, as well as by adults.
(3) Entrapments. The space between the bot-
c. Safety Concerns. Regulatory signs may be used
tom of the fence or gate and the ground surface
to provide information on play area safety. However,
should not exceed 50 mm (2 inches).
it should not be assumed that children will be able
(4) Sharp Objects. If chainlink fencing is pro-
to read signs or to comprehend the implications of
vided, the bottom of the fencing should have woven
the message. Providing signage that identifies the
ends or continuous loops with no exposed sharp
age of the designated play area user group may
wires.
assist parents in selecting safe play areas for chil-
d. Maintenance Level. The level of maintenance
dren.
required for this play area component is low.
9-6
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