Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 5, § 17778 - Outdoor Space

(a) Outdoor space shall be sufficient for the number of children using the space at any given time and meet the following additional requirements:

(1) Include adequate shade to protect preschool children from harmful sun exposure. Safe shade may be created in the outdoor space with the use of natural landscape or trees or through the use of shade structures, tarps, or umbrellas, so long as these items are in good repair and do not pose a safety hazard for preschool children; and

(2) Be accessible only to preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten-age children.

(b) Outdoor space shall be enclosed by a fence or other protective barrier to protect children and to keep them in the outdoor activity area. The fence or barrier shall be at least four feet high.

(c) Equipment and activity areas shall be arranged so that there is no hazard from conflicting activities. All fixed play equipment should have a minimum of six feet use zone (clearance space) from walkways, buildings, and other structures that are not used as part of play activities.

(d) Playground equipment shall be age-appropriate and securely anchored to the ground unless it is portable by design.

(e) The areas around and under climbing equipment, swings, slides and other similar play equipment shall be surrounded by a shock-absorbing surface which extends at least six feet beyond the perimeter of the stationary equipment.

Notes

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 5, § 17778

1. New section filed 7-1-2022; operative 7-1-2022 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2022, No. 26).

Note: Authority cited: Section 8231, Education Code; and Section 1596.7925, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Section 17002, Education Code; and Section 1596.7925, Health and Safety Code.

1. New section filed 7-1-2022; operative 7/1/2022 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2022, No. 26).