Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 06/10/2021

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Handbook for Playground Safety 5.3.2.5 Overhead rings Overhead rings are similar to horizontal ladders in terms of the complexity of use. Therefore, overhead rings should not be used on playgrounds intended for toddlers and 3-year- olds. The recommendations below are designed to accommo- date children 4 through 12 years of age. Overhead rings differ from horizontal ladders because, dur- ing use, the gripped ring swings through an arc and reduces the distance to the gripping surface of the next ring; there- fore, the spacing distance recommendations for horizontal ladders do not apply. • The first handhold on either end of upper body equipment should not be placed directly above the platform or climb- ing rung used for mount or dismount. This minimizes the risk of children hitting rigid access structures if they fall from the first handhold during mount or dismount. • The horizontal distance to the first handhold should be at least 8 inches but no greater than 10 inches. • The maximum height of overhead rings measured from the center of the grasping device to the protective surfac- ing should be: — Preschool -age (4 and 5 years): 60 inches. — School -age: 84 inches. • If overhead swinging rings are suspended by chains, the maximum length of the chains should be 7 inches. • The maximum height of the take-off/landing platform above the protective surfacing should be: — Preschool -age (4 and 5 years): no more than 18 inches. — School -age: no more than 36 inches. 5.3.2.6 Sliding poles Vertical sliding poles are more challenging than some other types of climbing equipment. They require upper body strength and coordination to successfully slide down the pole. Unlike other egress methods, there is no reverse or stop, so a child cannot change his or her mind. Children who start a sliding pole must have the strength to slide the whole way or they will fall. • Sliding poles are not recommended for toddlers or preschool -age children since they generally don't have the upper body and/or hand strength to slide. • Sliding poles should be continuous with no protruding welds or seams along the sliding surface. • The pole should not change direction along the sliding portion. • The horizontal distance between a sliding pole and any structure used for access to the sliding pole should be between 18 inches and 20 inches. • The pole should extend at least 60 inches above the level of the platform or structure used for access to the sliding pole. • The diameter of sliding poles should be no greater than 1.9 inches. • Sliding poles and their access structures should be located so that traffic from other events will not interfere with the users during descent. • Upper access should be on one level only. • The upper access area through the guardrail or barrier should be 15 inches wide at most. 5.3.2.6.1 Fall height • For sliding poles accessed from platforms, the fall height is the distance between the platform and the protective sur- facing beneath it. • For sliding poles not accessed from platforms, the fall height is the distance between a point 60 inches below the highest point of the pole and the protective surfacing beneath it. • The top of the sliding pole's support structure should not be a designated play surface. 5.3.2.7 Track rides Track rides are a form of upper body equipment where the child holds on to a handle or other device that slides along a track above his or her head. The child then lifts his or her feet and is carried along the length of the track. Track rides require significant upper body strength and the judgment to know when it is safe to let go. These are skills not developed until children are at least school -age; therefore, CPSC staff recommends: • Track rides should not be used on playgrounds for toddlers and preschool -age children. • Track rides should not have any obstacles along the path of the ride, including anything that would interfere in the take -off or landing areas. • Two track rides next to each other should be at least 4 feet apart. 28