(a)

1. (1) There shall be use zones and protective surfacing under and around all equipment that is over eighteen inches (18”) in height at the highest accessible point.
2. (2) “Highest accessible point” means the highest surface on the piece of equipment where participants will sit or stand when the equipment is used as intended.
3. (3) Use zones shall extend a minimum of six feet (6’) in all directions, unless otherwise specified, from the perimeter of the equipment.
4. (4) Playground equipment that is between eighteen inches and twenty-four inches (18” – 24”) at the highest accessible point and that was installed prior to the enforcement date of this revision is allowable without protective surfacing, as long as it meets all other requirements.

(d)

1. (1) Shock-absorbent material such as sand, pea gravel, wood chips, wood mulch, shredded tires, etc., shall be used in use zone areas under and around playground equipment that requires a use zone.

2. (2)

   1. (A) When purchasing gravel, care should be taken prior to purchase to ensure that the gravel is actually pea gravel that is smooth and rounded, and not crushed rock or gravel with sharp edges.
   2. (B) Crushed rock and sharp gravel will not be approved.
3. (3) Pea gravel used for use zones shall not be over one-half inch (1/2”) in diameter; and
4. (4) Different types of protective surfacing materials shall not be combined within the same use zone area.

(f) Slides.

1. (1) The use zone for slides measuring six feet (6’) or more, measured from the slide platform to the ground, shall extend eight feet (8’) from the exit end of the slide.
2. (2) Use zones for slides measuring under six feet (6’) from the platform to the ground shall extend six feet (6’) from the exit end of the slide.

(g) Single-axis swings.

1. (1) The use zone for single-axis swings or standard swings, except toddler swings, shall extend to the front and to the rear of the swing a minimum distance of two (2) times the height of the pivot point, where the chain attaches to the frame, above the playing surface.
2. (2) The use zone for toddler swings shall extend to the front and rear of the swing a minimum of two (2) times the distance from the pivot point to the swing seat.
3. (3) Use zones shall also extend six feet (6’) to the sides of the swing set.

(h) Multi-axis swings.

1. (1) The use zone for multi-axis swings, such as tire swings or others with three (3) or more suspending chains, shall extend in all directions a minimum of six feet (6’), plus the height of the suspending rod or chain.
2. (2) The use zone from the end of the structure must also extend a minimum of six feet (6’) in all directions.