Rule 591-1-1-.26 - Playgrounds(1) Size. (a) For Centers with a licensed capacity of 19 or more children first licensed after March 1, 1991, the Center shall provide or have ready access to an outdoor play area. The minimum size of the outdoor area must be equal to one hundred (100) square feet times one-third (1/3) of the Center's licensed capacity for children.(b) For Centers with a licensed capacity of 18 or fewer children first licensed after April 21, 1991, the Center shall provide or have ready access to an outdoor play area. The minimum size of the outdoor area must be equal to one hundred (100) square feet times the center's licensed capacity for children.(2) Playground Occupancy. At least one hundred (100) square feet shall be available for each child occupying the outside play area at any one time. Groups of children may be rotated if necessary so that one hundred (100) square feet per child is provided at all times.(3) Location. Playgrounds shall be adjacent to the Center or in an area which can be reached by a safe route or method approved by the Department. Except in School-age Centers, the playground shall have shaded areas.(4) Fence or Approved Barriers. Playgrounds shall be protected from traffic or other hazards by a four (4) foot or higher secure fence or other barrier approved by this Department. Fencing material shall not present a hazard to children and shall be maintained so as to prevent children from leaving the playground area by any means other than through an approved access route. Fence gates shall be kept closed except when persons are entering or exiting the area.(5) Playground Surfaces. Except in School-age Centers, the playground shall have a surface suitable for varied activities. Hard surfaces, such as gravel, concrete, or paving shall not exceed one-fourth (1/4) of the total playground area.(6) Equipment. Playground equipment shall provide an opportunity for the children to engage in a variety of experiences and shall be age-appropriate. For example, toddlers shall not be permitted to swing in swings designed for School-age Children. The outdoor equipment shall be free of lead-based paint, sharp corners and shall be regularly maintained in such a way as to be free of rust and splinters that could pose significant safety hazard to the children. All equipment shall be arranged so as not to obstruct supervision of children.(7) Anchoring of Certain Equipment. Climbing and swinging equipment shall be anchored.(8) Fall Zones and Surfacing. Climbing and swinging equipment shall have a resilient surface beneath the equipment and the fall zone from such equipment must be adequately maintained by the Center to assure continuing resiliency.(9) Safety and Upkeep of Playground. Playgrounds shall be kept clean, free from litter and free of hazards, such as but not limited to rocks, exposed tree roots and exposed sharp edges of concrete.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 591-1-1-.26
O.C.G.A. § 20-1A-1 et seq.
Original Rule entitled "Playgrounds" adopted. F. Dec. 23, 1997; eff. Mar. 1, 1998, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. Jan. 12, 2005; eff. Feb. 1, 2005.Amended: F. Dec. 4, 2015; eff. Dec. 24, 2015.Amended: F. May 26, 2017; eff. June 15, 2017.