Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 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.
Notes
State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare.
No prior version found.