We all know about handicapped accessible playstructures, but what about other items at the park that often get overlooked like drinking fountains and other non-play structure equipment? Here is a look at some fully-accessible accessories for the park.

Landscape Structures Inc. has adapted three of its most popular activity panels into Reach Panels (half panels), thus furthering its commitment to make fun accessible for all children. The three new Reach Panels — The Periscope Panel, Chimes Panel and Match 3 Panel — are designed to meet the current Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). When installed at ground level, all three panels can be adjusted to wheelchair height, making it easy for children to interact with them from a sitting or standing position.

The Periscope Panel is constructed from 3/4" thick Permalene® and is equipped with an octagonal tube containing stainless steel mirrors. Like its full-sized version, the Periscope rotates side-to-side and tilts forward 30 degrees.

The Chimes Panel, with movable chimes, creates wonderful opportunities for musical play. The chimes are framed within the Permalene panels to deter vandalism.

The Match 3 Panel consists of 16 blocks that are tan on one side and brown on the other. They can be manipulated to match three in a row or for kids to make up their own matching games. This panel is also available as a larger, Match 4 Panel containing 36 blocks.

These three Reach Panels are specially designed to accommodate children in wheelchairs, and are age-appropriately designed for

ages 2-12.

Murdock Fountains has an attractive hydrant that meets ADA requirements. The easy to use paddle allows the user to hook the bucket on the outlet, and with a little leverage applied, start the water flowing. It is good for campsites, parks or any location. Outlet to grade distance is typically 18 inches.

Landscape Structures has adapted three of its popular panels to half panels, making them fully accessible, meeting the current Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.

For fountains and showers, Most Dependable Fountains, located in Arlington, Tennessee has a diverse line of products that meet ADA requirements. The 440DB HiLo features two drinking fountains, one that can be used while standing and a lower fountain that is accessible to wheelchairs. The 40018 is an extension of the "400 Series" that has been modified to an 18-inch pedestal to include an internal chiller. This model, although it includes an internal chiller, features the wheelchair accessible fountain extending from the side of the main drinking fountain. The Model 493SM (Triple) features a bowl on the ADA arm, a bowl on the main pedestal and a bowl on the lower arm for kids. There are nine colors to choose from for the company's fountains.

The Model 560 Shower Tower is a one piece weld construction that stands 72-inches high with two shower and foot spray head. The Standard Shower and Footwasher have two quick closing valves while the wheelchair accessible shower head has one metered, slow closing valve. The handicap height of the heads is at approximately

48-inches above

the ground.

Another often overlooked item that may not always be handicapped accessible is firerings. Pilot Rock, located in Cherokee, Iowa has three firerings that provide access for disabled individuals who use a wheelchair and have reasonable use of their upper body. The first is the Model M-32/17/PA/S Firering that features a flat panel at the rear of the ring which allows the wheelchair to use a side approach to park adjacent to the side of the cooking grate. The grate level is changed via adjustment slots on the side heat panels, and can be adjusted with only one hand.

The Model FS-30/18/PA features a level cooking grate hinged at the rear of the firering to allow it to tip back off the ring. The firering is 18-inches high which allows for a convenient height for use from a wheelchair. It also comes in a 24-inch high version.

The Double Walled Wheelchair Accessible Campfire Ring provides a second outer steel ring of 1/8" thick steel, serving as an additional heat shield. The fire grate is hinged to tip up for easier clean out. Twin anchor pins secure the ring in place but allow the entire unit to be tipped up for easier clean out. This campfire ring is designed to accommodate persons in wheelchairs, but can also be used by all campers.

The company also features a line recycled plastic tables with extended tops and steel from accessible tables. The RT Series end access, wheelchair accessible picnic table is made from recycled plastic that features a single piece of solid molded plastic. To accommodate wheelchair access the top is extended two feet at one end. This allows a wheelchair to approach the table at the end.

The A-Frame style table is a traditional A-frame picnic table with an extended top that offers wheelchair access at both ends. The A-frame design provides built-in toe clearance for the wheelchair at both ends of the table.

The steel frame tables can extend two feet at one end or two feet on both ends, providing space for wheelchair access as suggested by current ADA guidelines. The extended top is supported by a specially formed diagonal brace and a heavy steel channel. The brace is bent out of the way to allow clearance for knees and legs. A Retro Fit Kit is available to convert an existing Pilot Rock table to an extended top table for wheelchair access.

On square tables, by dropping one or more of the radial arms supporting the seats, sides of the table may be opened up to meet ADA guidelines for wheelchair accommodation.

The Raised Top table has been designed for extra height to allow wheelchair armrests to clear the underside of the table top. Higher frames establish a clearance of 30 1/2 inches from ground level, exceeding the 30 inches commonly specified. Wheelchair users are able to position closer to the table for greater seating and dining comfort.

For park benches, the company produces arm rest attachments made from Plastisol coated steel or 100 percent recycled plastic planks for seats and backs. Arm rests help to make all benches more accessible to the elderly and handicapped by giving them a leverage point when transferring to or leaving a bench.

These are all items that can easily be overlooked by the Landscape Architects, but ADA requirements are something no Landscape Architect can afford to overlook.