5142.1 - Student Play and Recreational Space Equipment Selection - Procedure

Discuss needs with a Playground/Recreational Space Planning Committee. Any time a new playground/recreational space or modification of an existing playground is to take place a committee should be formed to discuss the equipment to include that would be appropriate to the age group, ability level of the students, size of the space available, and safety and maintenance issues.

Representation on the committee should include the following people:

1. SBCSS Principal;
2. Teacher who is familiar with the characteristics of the group of students who will be at the campus;
3. Facilities Planning representative (for new construction); or
4. Maintenance and Operations representative for modification of existing site;
5. APE specialist, OT, or PT representative;
6. Architect; and if available
7. Manufacture’s representative

General considerations for all Playgrounds/Recreational Spaces

1. All playground/recreational spaces should be designed for SBCSS students while keeping in mind that at times the public may also use the site
   1. Rubberized surface materials are recommended for special needs students.
2. The age and number of students
3. The special needs of the students at this site
   1. Disability of students: SBCSS students in the special education program may have developmental delays, including motor delays and cognitive delays. The committee may consider equipment that is designed for a somewhat younger population in order to accommodate the needs of the students.
   2. Shade structure is required for special needs students in most cases.
   3. Accessibility to water fountains is necessary for special needs students of all ages.
4. The amount of space available
   1. Typically about 15 special education students will be using the equipment at any one time. In some cases additional students may use the equipment.
5. Budget constraints including the equipment, the freight costs, site preparation, installation, design (architect) and surfacing costs.
6. Approval process timeline.

Early Education Centers

1. The playground equipment should include a centralized play structure.
   1. If the structure will be used by, children age three or under, consideration should be given to including a second main structure for them.
   2. There should be smaller structures to allow access for a variety of disabilities and interests.
2. The equipment should be constructed of durable materials.
3. When feasible, the playground should include the following:
   1. A tricycle path painted on the concrete.
   2. A secure area to store the tricycles.
   3. Colors for the structure should be red, yellow, and blue.
   4. A list of Commercial Grade materials from Playworld Catalog has been approved and can be provided by Purchasing/Contracts.
4. When designing indoor play areas in Early Childhood Centers keep the following in mind:
   1. Equipment should be set up like a little gym;
   2. Surfacing should be partially covered in mat;
   3. Overhead hanging storage for equipment is desirable; and
   4. When possible, provide portable dividers that pull out of the wall so the area can be used as one large room or multiple smaller areas.

Elementary Age Students on District Campuses

1. The size of the playground area will be determined by the district hosting the program and should be determined before the SBCSS Playground/Recreational Planning Space committee is formed.
2. Students already have access to regular equipment on the site, so specialized structures would be considered as supplemental.
3. To increase ease of supervision of students, an enclosure could be considered.
4. An example of an approved elementary playground structure can be provided by Facilities Planning or Purchasing/Contracts.

Secondary Special Education Recreational Space

When designing recreational space for secondary special education students, the following guidelines are to be considered by the SBCSS Playground/Recreational Planning Space Committee:

1. Basketball hoops that:
   1. are adjustable in height.
   2. are not near fence; and
   3. do not require user to face into the sun to shoot.
2. Space for storage of materials, standards, and other items.
3. Tables, benches, and open cement area (for wheelchair accessibility to games) placed under a shade structure.
4. If swings, are included they should be accessible for physically disabled students. The committee may consider the porch swing type.
5. Fitness Trails. Approved materials and layouts can be provided by Purchasing/Contracts.
6. Indoor equipment considerations:
   1. Fitness Stations;
   2. Basketball toss stations; and
   3. Wii sports video game systems for some special needs classes.

Community Day Schools

1. Design will be limited by the space available.
2. Supervision of students and observation of all areas of athletic fields must be considered.
3. Benches and tables underneath the shade structure should be provided.
4. Space for storage of materials, balls, standards, goals, etc.
5. If space is adequate the following should be considered:
   1. Basketball courts;
   2. Volleyball courts;
   3. Soccer field; and
   4. One backstop for baseball.

All equipment must be purchased through the Purchasing/Contracts department, contact the department for recommendations prior to placing any orders. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that playgrounds make appropriate accommodations for disabled children.

Approved July 22, 2008