Creating an ADA-Compliant Public Outdoor Space

Those who oversee a park, playground or other public outdoor space are tasked with maintaining a safe, clean, and environmentally friendly environment. Additionally, it’s their organization’s responsibility to offer an inclusive space where all abilities are welcome. The government’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) put regulations in place to ensure people in wheelchairs have access to the same amenities as able-bodied people. As part of the ADA, standards were put in place to include ADA-compliant park furniture in public outdoor spaces.

Commercial outdoor picnic tables that are deemed wheelchair accessible are offered by many companies, but they must be ADA-compliant in order to meet US regulations. While there are subtle technical differences between commercial ADA picnic tables and basic wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, the use of non-compliant tables can lead to disability discrimination lawsuits as well as citations and fines.

To ensure your outdoor space has ADA-compliant seating, read on to understand ADA minimum requirements, types of tables available for your venue, and how to create an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all your park goers.

WHAT DOES ADA WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MEAN?
The purpose of ADA picnic tables is to ensure that wheelchair users have adequate seating opportunities. ADA compliance can also require ensuring an appropriate number of picnic tables are available based on the size and scope of the public space. Moreover, ADA-accessible picnic tables must be available for everyone's use and not only for people seated in wheelchairs; it's illegal to segregate wheelchair users from the general seated public.

The ADA’s guidelines for picnic tables include precise measurements and strict specifications. Creating space at a picnic table to fit a wheelchair doesn't necessarily make it ADA-compliant.

WHAT ARE ADA PICNIC TABLE REQUIREMENTS?
Generally speaking, ADA picnic tables need to have one seat removed or have one side of their benches shorter to ensure that wheelchair users can easily approach the table and fit comfortably. ADA picnic table requirements can vary from state to state, so it's important to do your homework before deciding on the tables you need for your outdoor space.

The basic guidelines stated by the ADA, and corroborated with the US Forest Service, dictate:

⦁ Surface table height: 34" maximum, 28" minimum above the floor
⦁ Knee clearance: 27" minimum (between the floor and the underside of the table)
⦁ Clear floor area: 30" by 48" at each seating space with at least one fully unobstructed side and an accessible route to get there
⦁ Leg and knee extension clearance: at least 19" from the edge of the table inward
⦁ 36" cleared ground space around the table's perimeter, measured from the back edge of the bench
⦁ If a wall or other obstruction is present at a fixed table location, a 36" minimum space must be created to provide a wheelchair accessible route to the seating location
⦁ In locations where tables are fixed to a wall or a floor, 5% of the tables should be ADA-compliant; if there are less than 20 tables, then at least one ADA table must be provided
⦁ Tables must be set on firm, stable, and slip-resistant ground space
There should always be enough space at an ADA-compliant picnic table to ensure that people who are seated in wheelchairs can enjoy and participate in conversations from wherever they're positioned.

VERSATILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Commercial ADA-compliant picnic tables come in multiple designs, shapes, and materials to accommodate a wide scope of outdoor venues. Let’s take a look at all the options:

Design Options
ADA picnic tables with a traditional rectangular design come with a choice of single-chair access or double-chair access, but can also include side chair access where the attached bench is split with a wheelchair-width opening. For each design option, the frames are built to accommodate the chair’s wheels and still leave ample leg room.

Table Shapes and Materials
Along with the standard rectangular shape, commercial ADA-compliant picnic tables are available in round, hexagonal, and square shapes with multiple sizes and lengths to fit any space – large or small. Many accommodate six to eight adults with either flat or curved seats that provide ample leg clearance, as well as enough space to comfortably fit a wheelchair.

ADA-approved tables are made with a variety of commercial-grade materials that stand up to extended use in the harsh outdoor elements, including recycled plastic made to look like wood, aluminum, concrete, and plastic-coated expanded metal. Many picnic tables come in a choice of colors to match existing outdoor furniture and equipment. No matter what shape, material or color you choose, ADA-compliant tables provide extended tabletops and specially designed bases for uninhibited wheelchair accessibility.

ADA-COMPLIANT GRILLS AND MORE
To provide an even more inclusive outdoor space for visitors, complement your ADA-approved picnic tables with ADA-compliant park grills and fire rings.

Unlike ordinary park grills, an ADA-compliant grill is designed with a cooking surface that swivels for safe and easy cooking. For campgrounds, consider installing a wheelchair-accessible fire ring that features an adjustable cooking height and flip-up grate with cool spring handles.

Round out your park or campground area with commercial outdoor trash cans placed strategically near your picnic tables and grills. Having them in close proximity to your cooking and eating areas ensures people dispose of their trash and promotes environmental responsibility. Look for commercial trash cans that measure 33 to 36 inches in height, which are convenient for people in wheelchairs to use as well.

OUTFIT YOUR PARK WITH ADA-COMPLIANT FURNISHINGS
This summer, make your outdoor park, playground, or venue more popular by making it more accessible for people with wheelchairs and mobility devices. Greater inclusivity brings multi-generational families and the greater community together to enjoy the outdoors and make great memories.