Accessible Soft Contained Play Structures as Defined by the ADA

Soft Contained Play Structure

Soft Contained Play Structures are defined by the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as “a play structure made up of one or more play components where the user enters a fully enclosed play environment that utilizes pliable materials, such as plastic, netting, or fabric.” The graphic on the right is representative of a soft contained play structure. These structures are usually found outdoors at temporary installations such as festivals, or indoors at quick serve restaurants, shopping malls, car dealerships, or medical facilities, etc.

Note that soft contained play structures are not considered play areas as defined by the ADA. The 2010 ADA Standards defines a play area as “A portion of a site containing play components designed and constructed for children.” Play areas are not fully enclosed and usually do not use pliable materials for play components. Play areas are typically designed for exterior installations. For additional information about play areas see Accessible Play Areas.

An accessible route to the soft contained play structure is required, but, according to the US Access Board, once inside the structure, there are no ADA requirements as you would find for a play area.

Transfer systems are not required for soft contained play structures but are permitted as part of an accessible route. 2010 ADA Standard 1008.2.2, Soft Contained Play Structures, states, “Accessible routes serving soft contained play structures shall be permitted to use the exception in [Standard] 1008.2.2.” The exception is: “Transfer systems complying with [Standard] 1008.3 shall be permitted to be used as part of an accessible route [to a soft contained play structure].” For additional information please see Transfer System.

SUMMARY: Soft Contained Play Structures as defined by the ADA are usually found outdoors at temporary installations such as festivals, or indoors at quick serve restaurants, shopping malls, car dealerships, or medical facilities, etc. An accessible route to the soft contained play structure is required, but, once inside the structure, there are no ADA requirements.

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If you observe a facility or entity that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

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