Whether it’s a renovation or a brand-new installation, play area projects come with a unique set of challenges. From navigating current safety requirements to meeting accessibility codes CALA is proud to have a team of four in-house Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSIs). As Landscape Architects, our CPSI staff bring an informed perspective to every play area project we work on where safety and accessibility considerations take center stage.
Our approach begins with quick assessments of the project’s needs, from evaluating the need for fencing to addressing entry and exit points for optimal accessibility and circulation. By considering safety and accessibility requirements early in the process, we’re able to make informed suggestions to help steer the project early on to better align with a project’s budget and goals.
If the project goes through community outreach, we are able to help educate the community on safety regulations, while addressing the community’s concerns or wants for the play area such as accessibility, durability of materials, and visibility.
During the design phases, our expertise shines as we can skillfully blend play equipment from different manufacturers to maximize space and play value. In the Construction Documents phase, we leave no detail unchecked, meticulously reviewing plans to confirm compliance with safety regulations. Our in-house protocols provide an additional layer of assurance, from maintaining a 1’-0” buffer between minimum space requirements between play equipment to ensuring proper grading around play equipment with tighter allowable vertical ranges.
Throughout the construction process, we remain vigilant, double-checking submittals to guarantee every aspect of the project meets standards, and helping review and interpret Playground Safety Audits to advocate for compliance and address any issues that may arise.
With CALA’s comprehensive approach to safety and accessibility, you can trust that your play area project will go smoothly. Have an existing play area you’ve been thinking about renovating or a location for a potential new play area? Give one of our CPSIs a call to bounce some ideas.