Resources
Learn more about the latest trends in outdoor recreation and design from our list of industry related resources.
American Society for Testing and Materials
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is a scientific and technical organization that is a major developer of standards for testing materials. In 1993, the ASTM published "Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specifications for Playground Equipment for Public Use." You can view their website at www.astm.org. For more information on the standards specified by ASTM please contact us.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent agency of the federal government whose charter is to inform the public of unreasonable risks associated with consumer products. In 1998, the CPSC printed the "Handbook for Public Playground Safety." This handbook is available for review online at www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/325.pdf
International Play Equipment Manufacturer's Association
The International Play Equipment Manufacturer's Association (IPEMA) is an organization that promotes quality and safety for all playground manufacturers. The IPEMA seal certifies that a playground manufacture meets all of the qualifications required under ASTM.
The National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA)
The National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA) is an organization dedicated to promoting and making parks available to all. Here you will find a wealth of information pertaining to safety, guidelines, and certifications.
The Access Board
The latest information on the development of specific access requirements for playgrounds is available at the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Website at www.access-board.gov. This is the best site for information pertaining to the American's with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).
PlaySafe, LLC
A 3rd party audit is when someone other than the Manufacturer or the Installer inspects the playground equipment and surfacing to determine whether they meet ASTM and CPSC safety standards and whether the equipment and surfacing was installed correctly. This process puts the liablity back on the manufacturer and or installer. PlaySafe is the largest 3rd party auditing company in the country and provides hundreds of audits each year.