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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 20-074 for Inclusive Playground PolicyRESOLUTION NO.20-074 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF SARATOGA INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND POLICY WHEREAS, the City of Saratoga values the dignity and worth of all human beings and is committed to promoting justice, equity and an inclusive environment; and WHEREAS, the Inclusive Playground Policy is one mechanism by which the City of Saratoga is able to maintain standards of health, safety, and high quality of life within Saratoga; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City of Saratoga that all people have an equal opportunity to participate fully in the life of the City and that discriminatory barriers to equal participation be removed; and WHEREAS, residents of all ages and abilities should have the right to play in City parks and playgrounds; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires a policy that establishes guiding principles and priorities for the City of Saratoga playground replacements that enable the City to provide space for all residents to play. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saratoga hereby adopts the attached City of Saratoga Inclusive Playground Policy. The above and foregoing resolution was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Saratoga City Council held on the 18th day of November 2020 by the following vote: AYES: Mayor Howard A. Miller, Vice Mayor Mary -Lynne Bernald, Council Members Yan Zhao, Rishi Kumar NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: wJ/'4/ Howard A. Miller, Mayor AT T: DATE: Debbie Bretschneider, CMC, City Clerk CITY OF SARATOGA INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND POLICY Adopted November 18, 2020, Resolution No. 20-074 I. Purpose The Inclusive Playground Policy is one of the City of Saratoga's methods for promoting health, safety, and quality of life of the residents of Saratoga regardless of age or ability. This policy outlines the City's priorities for cultivating a more inclusive community through City playgrounds. II. Applicability This policy shall be applied in the replacement of playgrounds when at least 50% of the equipment in a playground is being replaced, and in developing new playgrounds. The City will comply with the minimum accessibility standards and, budget permitting, will strive to implement the criteria in section III to cultivate a more inclusive community. III. Criteria A. Path of Travel. Smooth, wide paths help promote inclusivity by allowing individuals with wheelchairs or mobility support devices to travel easily from the parking area to the restrooms and playground. Projects replacing playground equipment or developing a new playground should include creation of a smooth surface pathway that will be no greater than the required accessible slope standard to allow easier access for individuals in a wheelchair or those who use mobility support devices to travel to key amenities in the park where the playground is located. Smooth, wide paths should be placed between: a. Adjacent sidewalks or public parking lot to the restrooms b. Restrooms to the playground c. Playground to the adjacent sidewalks or public parking lot B. Accessible Access. Accessible parking and ramps allow individuals in wheelchairs to more easily enter City parks. To ensure parks are accessible, parking and ramps shall be reviewed and comply with current accessibility standards. C. Restroom Facilities. Accessible restroom facilities are important because it allows individuals with wheelchairs or other mobility support devices to have access to all features of the park. To ensure restroom facilities are accessible, all restroom facilities in parks with new or replacement playgrounds shall be reviewed and comply with current accessibility standards. Additionally, restroom facilities at City parks shall have accessible push buttons. Implementation of new restroom facilities should consider proximity to the parking area or sidewalk as well as the playground equipment. Ideally, the restrooms will be located between the parking area and the playground. D. Playground Surface. Flat, smooth playground surfaces allow people of all ages and abilities to navigate the playground with minimal or no surface barriers. Playground City of Saratoga Inclusive Playground Policy Adopted Via Resolution 20- surfaces will comply with accessibility and playground safety standards and have flat surfaces. When feasible, poured in place rubber, rubber tile, or artificial turf surfaces for ground surfaces should be used in playground projects subject to this policy. Sand pits in play areas are not subject to this requirement. E. Playground Seating. Seating areas are important to foster an inclusive environment for individuals to be included in the action on the playgrounds without having to physically participate. Playground projects subject to this policy must include at least one seating area for users of all ages who want to be included in the playground space but may need to sit down. When feasible, playgrounds should include a shaded seating area on the edge of the playground where individuals can be included but secluded simultaneously if overstimulated. F. Picnic Benches. Accessible picnic benches allow individuals in wheelchairs to sit at the table without the need to transfer from their chair to the bench. Playground projects subject to this policy in City parks where picnic tables are provided for children and adults, shall include at least one accessible picnic table if not already in place at that park. G. Playground Components. Ground level components, transfer systems for individuals in wheelchairs or mobility issues, and a variety of play components help ensure that people of different abilities can enjoy City playgrounds. Playground projects subject to this policy shall include the following: Ground Level Components: Ground level components that can be used while seated on the ground. Elevated Accessible Routes & Ramps: Elevated, accessible paths and ramps to allow individuals in wheelchairs to access elevated play components. Accessible routes and ramps should include handrails when feasible. Transfer System: Transfer systems to connect ground level and elevated play components. Edges of transfer systems must have a straight edge to facilitate an unhindered transfer. (A transfer system is a platform that provides access to elevated play equipment without the use of a wheelchair or mobility device. Transfer systems may include platforms, steps, or supports.) Varied Components: A mix of play equipment to foster an inclusive and diverse environment. Varied play components provide play opportunities for a wide range of abilities. Climbing and swinging playground components help develop gross motor skills. Additionally, there are sensory play components that incorporate activities to stimulate people's senses such as sight, hearing and touch. Examples such as musical playground equipment can be an outdoor drum set or xylophone that have a variety of shapes, textures, sounds and colors. 1306524.1 City of Saratoga Inclusive Playground Policy Adopted Via Resolution.20-