EXTRA, EXTRA/Playground material holds up to wheels
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory’s (FPL) recent report “Stabilized Engineered Wood Fiber for Accessible Playground Services,” says most commonly used materials allow a wheelchair, cane or walker to sink into the surface. In the report, FPL researchers describe how to make a stabilized engineered wood fiber that complies with the American Disabilities Act and costs $2 to $3 per square foot. In October 2004, Prince George’s, Md., Public Schools became the first commercial installer of the wood fiber when it applied the material to one of its playgrounds.
The report can be downloaded for free at FPL’s Web site, www.fpl.fs.fed.us. Printed copies are available by calling (608) 321-9200 or e-mailing FPL at [email protected].