Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/08/2021

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Handbook for Playground Safety Simple Arch Climber Geodesic Dome Climber Overhead Horizontal Ladder Overhead Hanging Rings Figure 7. Examples of climbers School -age children tend to use climbing and upper body equipment more frequently and more proficiently than preschool children. Young preschool children may have diffi- culty using some climbers because they have not yet devel- oped some of the physical skills necessary for certain climb- ing activities (balance, coordination, and upper body strength) . Older preschool children (i.e., 4- and 5-year-olds) are beginning to use flexible climbers, arch climbers, and upper body devices. However, playgrounds designed for chil- dren under 4 years of age should avoid arch climbers, flexible climbers, horizontal ladders, parallel bars, and other upper body components. 5.3.2.1 Design considerations 5.3.2.1.1 Layout of climbing components When climbing components are part of a composite struc- ture, their level of challenge and method of use should be compatible with the traffic flow from nearby components. Upper body devices should be placed so that the swinging movement generated by children on this equipment cannot interfere with the movement of children on adjacent struc- tures, particularly children descending on slides. The design of adjacent play structures should not facilitate climbing to the top support bars of upper body equipment. 5.3.2.1.2 Fall Height Climbers: • The fall height for climbers is the distance between the highest part of the climbing component and the protec- tive surfacing beneath it. • If the climber is part of a composite structure, the fall height is the distance between the highest part of the climber intended for foot support and the protective surfacing beneath it. — Toddlers: The maximum fall height for free standing and composite climbing structures should be 32 inches. Upper Body Equipment: • The fall height of upper body equipment is the distance between the highest part of the equipment and the pro- tective surface below. 5.3.2.1.3 Climbing rungs Some of the access methods discussed in §5.2 are also con- sidered climbing devices; therefore, the recommendations for the size of climbing rungs are similar. 24