Connections Bench 1

Best ADA-compliant Outdoor Seating Solutions for Public Parks

Access to public spaces is a right that every person has, regardless of their needs and abilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, requires public facilities to make reasonable accommodations in order to ensure that all people can access and benefit from public parks. However, there are steps that park developers and managers can take in order to go beyond the minimum requirements of the ADA.

According to CivicPlus, more than 28 percent of Americans live with a disability, and all of those Americans should be able to access the recreational spaces near them. Park developers should work to create accessible and comfortable park spaces for people of all abilities, which includes investing in ADA-compliant outdoor seating solutions.

If you're interested in finding the best ADA-compliant park bench or picnic table for your recreational space, use this guide to help inform your decision.

Understanding ADA Requirements for Outdoor Seating

As you begin to create a strategic plan for creating a new park or updating an existing facility, you will want to be aware of the ADA requirements for outdoor seating and other park features.

The ADA outlines specific requirements for outdoor seating, which include:

  • Providing accessible seating in the event that fixed seating or fixed tables are part of the park amenities.
  • Table height must fall between a 34" maximum and 28" minimum requirement.
  • Knee clearance must be at least 27" minimum (from floor to bottom of table surface)
  • A clear floor area of 30" by 48" is needed in each seating area.
  • Knee clearance extends at least 19" under the table.

In addition, accessible tables and seating fixtures should be integrated with existing pathways, ensuring that people of all abilities have the opportunity to utilize the main trails.

Types of ADA-Compliant Outdoor Seating

There are a wide range of ADA-compliant outdoor seating options for you to consider, allowing you to meet the needs of your park visitors while complementing the overall aesthetic of your park space. Here are a few types of ADA-compliant outdoor seating options that are available:

Standard Benches with Accessible Features

Standard park benches with accessible features are common in park facilities because they allow park developers to maintain ADA compliance and include features that improve the overall accessibility of their park. Accessible features to look for on standard benches include:

  • Armrests that offer support and assist with transfer to a mobility device.
  • Additional space next to the bench to accommodate wheelchair users or those with a mobility device.
  • Shaded canopy to provide additional comfort for people who are using the bench in sunny or rainy areas.

While standard benches are an option for those looking to remain in compliance with ADA, there are other premier commercial park bench options that can increase the comfort and accessibility of your park features for all of our visitors. For example, the UltraSite Connections Bench is a multi-height seating solution that improves accessibility, comfort, and support for all park visitors. Promoting interaction and engagement, this innovative park bench can be used as a seating solution as well as an outdoor desk, making it the perfect addition to any park space that wants to attract new visitors and increase the amount of time that they spend in the park.

Multi-Height Picnic Tables

Multi-height seating arrangements are innovative solutions that not only improve the accessibility of the park itself but also provide additional comfort for people of all abilities. Multi-height seating arrangements allow people to comfortably sit next to one another and engage in conversation.

At UltraSite, our Multi-Table is a multi-height picnic table that is thoughtfully designed to allow for both standard seating and seating for users with mobility devices — fostering interaction and engagement among all park-goers.

Convertible Picnic Tables

Convertible picnic tables ensure that all people, regardless of ability, are able to enjoy a meal together in the park. The leading convertible park picnic tables include a wide range of features, such as:

  • Bench tables that can be converted from a park bench into a tabletop area. These are becoming increasingly common in outdoor spaces where learning takes place, such as on school playgrounds.
  • Accessible seating options that allow wheelchair users and those with other mobility devices to be able to eat at the table alongside everyone else.
  • Shade canopies are designed to help reduce heat and provide additional comfort for people at the park, allowing people of all abilities to enjoy a safe place to rest and enjoy a snack or meal.

By investing in ADA-compliant park seating, you can make your purchase with confidence knowing that you are getting well-made, stylish site furniture that effortlessly blends in with your park design and development plans.

Introducing UltraSite's ADA-Compliant Park Solutions

Recognizing the importance of building site solutions that extend beyond compliance and truly accommodate the needs and preferences of all park users, UltraSite has launched a new line of ADA-compliant park features named the Connection Series. Our new product line reimagines what it means to be ADA-compliant and has been developed from the ground up with a focus on inclusivity and versatility.

We have partnered with Auburn Design Studio at Auburn University in order to create the Connections Series, featuring picnic tables and benches with multi-purpose functionality. This series is more than a product line of site features — it allows you to create a park space where everyone feels welcome.

Get a Quote for ADA-Compliant Site Furniture

At UltraSite, we have long set the standard for excellence in premium site furnishings and park amenities. Bringing the same standard of excellence to our ADA-compliant line of furniture, we are proud to improve the comfort and accessibility of parks around the country.

If you are interested in creating a welcoming and inclusive park space that accommodates the needs of all of your visitors, now is the best time to invest in an ADA-compliant commercial park bench or park picnic table.

Get your free quote for ADA-compliant site furniture from UltraSite today.

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