Accessibility and Inclusion
Recreation is an important aspect of the health and wellness of people of all social statuses and physical abilities. The complexity of our park landscapes generates many potential maintenance challenges that impact accessibility. This area contains resources applicable to aspects of park maintenance that impact access and increase recreation opportunities within our communities.
Put Some spring in Your Risk Management Program
Peter Erndwein, Delaware Valley Insurance Trusts
No lawn in shaded areas? Read on.
Climber Safety; Know the Ropes
Berliner Play Equipment Informational
Short guide on rope safety and maintenance. Provided by Anna Ranck during PRPS Annual Conference 2026
Overview of Pennsylvania’s Recreational Use of Land and Water Act
Andrew M. Loza and Debra Wolf Goldstein, Esq. (2019). Justin Hollinger, Esq., and Loza updated (2026)
Agencies rights on public Use.
7 Things Every Playground Owner Should Know About Accessibility
US Access Board, 2014
The purpose of this guide is to provide practicalinformation that every public playground ownershould know about the accessibility of theirplayground surfaces.
Guide on Proper Installation & Maintenance of Playground Surfacing
IPMEA, 2013
Informative guide on playground surfacing materials
Engineered Wood Fiber Accessibility Testing
Henderson Consulting Services, 2013
A study of the accessibility of EWF surfaces which were properly installed according to supplier’sinstructions was initiated by the International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA). This paper will review the preliminary findings from this study.
Installation for Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) to meet ADA Requirements
IPMEA, 2021
IPEMA believes that following the installation and maintenance recommendations below will result in greater accessibility and compliance with ADA requirements for EWF accessible surfacing under and around playground equipment.
De-escalation Series
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, 2021
The De-Escalation Series for Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators follows the Employee Vigilance Through the Power of Hello to help critical infrastructure owners, operators, and staff identify and navigate suspicious activity or potentially escalating situations to safely dis-engage and report to local law enforcement or their organization’s multi-disciplinary threat management team.
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
US Department of Justice, 2010
This guidance provides detailed information about theDepartment’s adoption of the 2010 Standards including changes to the Standards, the reasoning behind those changes, and responses to publiccomments received on these topics.
Unleashed - Off-leash Dog Park Design Trends & Planning Tips
PlayCORE
Designing a meaningful dog park involves several steps, including selecting the rightsetting, ensuring the location and context within the setting is meaningful for diverse users, choosing a good mix of equipment and accessories to ensure usability, and adding landscaping to complete the space. In addition, considering the size of the space in relation to layout and design typology is also important to ensure the dog park is comfortable for both dogs and their owners.
Pennsylvania Trail Design & Development Principles
PA DCNR
Guidelines for Sustainable, Non-motorized Trails
Building Sustainable Trails: Key Design Elements
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
This article explains designing sustainable contour trails that reduce maintenance needs while providing a good experience for visitors.
Universal Access Trails and Shared Use Paths
Debra Wolf Goldstein, Esq. and Larry Knutson
This manual reviews Best Management Practices (“BMPs”) to utilize when planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining pedestrian trails for universal accessibility—for providing trails usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without separate or segregated access for people with disabilities.
Public Playground Accessibility Review
PlayCore
Accessibility checklist for play structures and play areas
Public Playground Accessibility Checklist
International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association
12 items to consider for inclusive play areas
