(a) Play space.  Play space requirements are contained in this subsection.

• (1) Play space is situated to:
  • (A) permit children to reach it safely;
  • (B) provide a shaded area during scheduled outdoor play times; and
  • (C) allow supervision of areas where children cannot be easily seen.
• (2) Space is enclosed by a building or fence at least four feet high with at least one exit which is away from the building.  School-age children may play in an unfenced area as part of a scheduled supervised activity if the area is properly protected from traffic and other hazards.
• (3) The fence:
  • (A) begins at ground level;
  • (B) is at least 48 inches high; and
  • (C) is maintained in a stable, secure, upright and good condition and poses no risk to children.
• (4) Gates are kept closed while children are outside.  Outside play areas that are fenced provide a gate to use in the event of an emergency that does not require children to re-enter the building.
• (5) Play space is maintained:
  • (A) in a safe and clean condition;
  • (B) free of hazards; and
  • (C) free from weeds, tall grass, untrimmed shrubbery, standing water, and litter, to prevent vermin and insect infestation.

(b) Surfaces.  Requirements pertaining to surfaces in play areas in this subsection are met.  If the center shares playground space that does not comply with playground safety requirements in (1) through (5) of this subsection, the center submits a plan to Licensing for approval for children at least four years of age.  The plan includes a description of playground space to be used and methods to ensure that children do not play in the area that does not meet the requirements.

• (1) Outdoor play areas have more than one type of surface.
• (2) If used, climbers, swings, slides, or revolving equipment have impact-absorbing surfaces under them and throughout the fall zones.
• (A) Impact-absorbing materials include loose materials   • 1  or unitary materials.   • 2   All impact absorbing materials purchased or replaced after August 1, 2003, meet the criteria in (i) through (iii) of this subparagraph.
• • (i) Materials meet the standard requirement for the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  • (ii) All unitary materials must be appropriate for the height and type of equipment.
  • (iii) Documentation of prescribed cushioning properties is maintained and accessible to OKDHS.  Sand and pea gravel that meet the requirements in (i) of this subparagraph do not require documentation.
• (B) Grass is acceptable as impact-absorbing material only if the highest accessible part of the equipment is four feet or less.   • 3
• (3) Fall zones extend a minimum of six feet in all directions from the perimeter of the equipment.  Fall zones for adjacent equipment may overlap for existing equipment that is permanently anchored.  However, when equipment is moved or added, or change of ownership occurs, the fall zones for adjacent equipment do not overlap and the requirements in (A) through (C) of this paragraph are met.
  • (A) The fall zone for single-axis swings that move forward and backward extend to the front and rear of the swing a distance of two times the length of the swing's chain.
  • (B) The fall zone for swings secured by a bar or strap which are used by children  younger than age three extend to the front and rear of the swing a distance of six feet from the midpoint.
  • (C) The fall zone for multi-axis swings or tire swings, extends a distance of six feet plus the length of the chain in every direction.  A 30-inch clearance between a fully extended tire swing seat and the support structure is required.
  • (D) Fall zones on the sides of equipment may not be necessary if the potential for falls in that direction is minimal, for example, the sides of a swinging structure.
• (4) Surfaces made of loose materials are maintained at a depth of at least six inches by replacing, leveling or raking.
• (5) Turf and matting are maintained by repairing rips, tears, and loose seams.

(c) Playground safety.  The requirements regarding playground safety are in this subsection.

• (1) Children play outdoors daily when weather conditions do not pose a significant health risk.
• (2) Before physical activity, children are well-hydrated and encouraged to drink water during the activity.
• (3) Equipment is of sturdy, safe construction, easy to clean, free of hazards, and kept in good repair.
  • (A) Equipment does not have angles or openings greater than three and one-half inches or less than nine inches that could entrap any part of a child's body or head.
  • (B) Equipment does not have pinch, crush or shear points, for example, exposed or open gears on rotating devices or underneath equipment such as axle assembles on rotating devices.
  • (C) Equipment does not have protrusion hazards.
  • (D) Equipment is installed, maintained, and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
  • (E) Unless portable by design, equipment is securely anchored, and anchors pose no hazard to children.
  • (F) Swing seats are constructed of durable, lightweight, relatively pliable material, for example, nylon webbing, rubber, or plastic.
• (4) Play space and equipment are arranged to prevent hazards from conflicting activities.
• (5) There is a minimum of 25 percent of the required outdoor play space that is an open, continuous, uninterrupted, and unobstructed area.
• (6) Fall zones are free of all obstacles with the exception of support structures for swings.

(d) Outdoor play equipment.  Outdoor play equipment requirements to which the center shall comply are contained in this subsection.

• (1) Equipment provided is age-appropriate and varied to meet the developmental needs of the children present.
• (2) The center has a minimum of one item from five of the equipment categories in this paragraph; and two items from (H) through (K) may be counted, provided they are dedicated for outdoor use.  Equipment categories are:
  • (A) climbing apparatus sized to the age of children in care;
  • (B) swinging apparatus;
  • (C) crawl-through apparatus;
  • (D) wheeled or riding toys;
  • (E) balance apparatus;
  • (F) balls, bean bags, and Frisbees;
  • (G) sand and water play with accessories;
  • (H) music equipment;
  • (I) dramatic play and dress up;
  • (J) blocks or loose parts; and
  • (K) outdoor arts and crafts.
• (3) Trampolines of any kind are prohibited.