Taylor's Dream Playground - Fort Wayne, IN
Why Do We Want Accessible Playgrounds in Elkhart?
Disabled children have the same needs as any other children to play and interact with others in playgrounds. However, modifications of existing playgrounds are needed in order to accomplish this. Often disabled children, like disabled adults, are isolated and depressed because they cannot interact and play with other children because the playgrounds are not accessible. The other reason is that it is the law. ADA and other laws specify how parks must be made accessible for disabled children.
The picture seen above is of Taylor's Dream in Fort Wayne, Indiana just 70 miles from Elkhart. An 11-year old girl, Taylor Reuille, came up with the idea for the inclusive playground and after years of fund raising with donations and grants, the playground was built in 2011. The cost of the playground was $1 Million. Taylor's Dream is rated 16th most accessible playground in the world. The degree to which this park was made accessible was beyond regulation requirements but well worth the money. Elkhart has plans to spend millions of dollars on Luxury apartments and a train museum few resident want. We have the money to build a totally accessible play ground and it is the right thing to do. Developing playgrounds which are accessible under the law will not cost $1 million but will invite a cost for sure.An ADA Transition Plan in 2012 Did Not Include Playgrounds or Parks:
ADA required that a Transition Plan must be created and implemented by municipalities with the purpose of meeting all ADA standards. The city of Elkhart completed such a Transition Plan in 2012, but there was no review of parks or playgrounds in the plan. Playgrounds and parks are both required to be accessible in very specific ways.
The city of Elkhart is obligated and very late on planning accessible playgrounds and parks within the city's domain. We want this done ASAP and with the input of knowledgeable persons and persons with disabilities and their parents.
What are Some of the Requirements of an Accessible Playground?
The US Access Board is the source of much of this information. We will take one issue at a time as they did.
- Play Areas and Age: Play areas should be separated by age in order to reduce the risk of injury and to increase social opportunities. Designing play areas should for children with different age ranges should be considered separately.
- Rules for Play Components: A play component may be for a single user or multiple users at the same time. Examples below:
- Ground Level Components: A play component may be for a single user or multiple users at the same time. They may be stand alone or multiple user and they are used and exited on ground level. These components could include: swing sets, slides, see-saws, and diggers. At least one of each type of play component must be on an accessible route.
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| Rocking Component |
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| One Type of Swing |
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| Component for Multiple Players |
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| Single Participant Slide |
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| Multiple Participant Slide |
4. Elevated Play Components: This type of component are ones that are accessed either above or below grade. 50% of all elevated components must be accessible
in a public playground. Examples of elevated play components are shown below:
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| Type of Elevated Component |
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| Type of Elevated Component |
components that must be provided.
Accessible Routes both Ground Level and Elevated:
An accessible route is a route accessible to persons with disabilities including people who use wheelchairs. Ground level accessible routes connect to the transfer route to the elevated components. The elevated route connects components on a composite structure.
GROUND LEVEL ACCESSIBLE ROUTES:
A ground level accessible route must be 60 inches wide to allow two wheelchairs to pass. The route may narrow to as little as 36 inches for no more than 5 feet to accommodate for natural obstructions like trees. The slope of the route may not exceed 1:16. Below is an example of a compliant accessible route:
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| Ground Level Compliant Accessible Route |
The elevated accessible routes must connect entry and exit points of at least 50% of the play components. The most common forms of connections to elevated components are ramps and transfer systems such as lifts. The specifications of the rules are as follows:
- There must be a 36 inch clear width although a 32 inch width may be used for a two foot stretch to accommodate various features.
- No more than a 12 inch rise per ramp run.
- The top of handrails must be a minimum of 20 inches to 28 inches maximum above the ramp surface
Below are two examples of elevated accessible routes:
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| Elevated Accessible Route |
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| Elevated Accessible Route |
Examples of Accessible Play Components:
From Boundless
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| Play Component |
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| Play Component |
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| Play Component |
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| Play Component from Right to Play |
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| Play Component from Right to Play |
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| Play Component from Right to Play |
These are just a few examples of accessible play components available for disabled children. There are hundreds of manufacturers of various equipment.
What we are recommending is two-fold
1. The city of Elkhart begin to access its playgrounds and develop a plan with the disabled community to begin implementing accessibility to our playgrounds over time.This should have been done years ago but we must start somewhere
2. Begin a Campaign to develop and construct a first-rate all inclusive playground in Elkhart. We will begin to ask for donations soon when our new website is completed with its e-commerce capabilities.
If you are interested in assisting us get this started, please get in touch by either email
You may also call Rick at (574)606-6845
Also please sign our petition to the Mayor and the Common Council and tell them we want accessible playgrounds for our children.
THE LINK TO THE PETITION SITE IS BELOW
If you want to make a donation toward an all inclusive playground in Elkhart, go here:
Build An Accessible Playground
