SMALL KIDS - SMALL SPACES - SMALL BUDGETS
Quality Designs Since 1978

Definition: In simplest terms, the Use Zone is the surface under and around a piece of equipment onto which a child falling from or exiting from the equipment would be expected to land

Size of Use Zone
Pre-School (Ages 2-5 years) extends 5’ from the outer perimeter of the equipment (unless against a wall)
Tots (Ages 6-23 months) extends 4’ from the outer perimeter of the equipment (unless against a wall)

Safety Surfacing
The total Use Zone, should be covered with appropriate Impact Attenuating Safety Surfacing> The properties of the safety surfacing will have to conform to the published “Fall Height” of the equipment

Fall Height is determined by the highest designated play surface of the equipment (as provided by equipment manufacturer)

For play equipment that does not need safety surfacing, the Encroachment Zone is an area around the structure that should be kept free ofobstacles

Safety Standards
ASTMI F2223 - Standard Guide for Playground Surfacing.
ASTMI F1292 - Specifications for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment
 
CONTAINED STRUCTURE
This version is enclosed and thus has no exit or opening over 30” from which a child could fall.

Safety Surfacing is not required

Encroachment Zone - ensure an obstacle free area around the playstructure:
- minimum 18” on any side with no step-entry
- minimum 5’ on any side with an interior step entry
 
2. CONTAINED STRUCTURE WITH SLIDE(S)
Structures have the top enclosed with netting, but have one or more slide openings from which a child could fall.

Safety Surfacing is required only for the slide area(s).
- required 5’ out from all 3 sides of the slide

Exception: Safety surfacing area is reduced if any side of the play structure is against a normal wall. For such wall areas we recommend wall padding.

Fall Height: 3 feet is the average fall height with our slides

Encroachment Zone: to ensure an obstacle free area around play structures:
- minimum 18” on any side with no step-entry
- minimum 5’ on any side with an interior step entry
 

3. OPEN TOP
This version has one or more slide openings as well as the barrier railing from which a child could climb up and fall.

Safety Surfacing is required 5’ out from all sides of the play structure including the end of the slide(s)

Exception: Play structures may be placed against one wall or in a corner - thus eliminating the Use Zone requirement on that side(s) - but still required for open sides and around slides.

Fall Height: 6’ (top of platform barrier)

Open Top Location = Center of Room
Use Zone = All 4 sides

Open Top Location = Against a Wall
Use Zone = 3 open sides

Open Top Location = In a Corner
Use Zone = 2 open sides
.w ceilings. The funhouses are fully pilities, kid hair salons, child photo studio, retailers, car dealers, camps.