Chapter 10: Recreation Facilities

New and altered amusement rides must provide accessible boarding:

• At least one wheelchair space on the ride, OR a ride seat designed for transfer from a wheelchair, OR a transfer device (platform) for boarding
• Accessible route to the ride loading area
• Transfer platforms: If used, must be 24 inches wide minimum at seat height (14–24 inches)

Exception: Rides designed for one rider (like a mechanical bull) or rides that require the rider to walk/climb as part of the experience may be exempt.

Marinas and boat launch facilities must have accessible boat slips and boarding piers:

• Accessible slips: Based on total number — 1 accessible slip for the first 25, then 1 per additional 50
• Gangways: Maximum slope of 1:12 (but when the total length would exceed 80 feet, a 1:10 slope or 80-foot max length is allowed as an exception)
• Cleats and other edge protection: Shall not protrude into the accessible route on the pier

Fitness centers and gyms must provide an accessible route to at least one of each type of exercise machine:

• One accessible treadmill, one accessible weight machine, one accessible stationary bike, etc.
• Clear floor space: 30 × 48 inches at each accessible machine

Example: A hotel gym with three treadmills and two stationary bikes needs at least one treadmill and one bike on an accessible route with clear floor space. The machines themselves don't need to be modified — just reachable.

Accessible fishing piers and platforms must include:

• Railing height: 34 inches maximum along at least 25% of the railings (low enough for a seated person to cast a fishing line over)
• Edge protection: A curb or barrier to prevent wheelchairs from rolling off
• Clear floor space: 30 × 48 inches at the accessible fishing positions
• Bait and tackle: If dispensers are provided, at least one must be within reach range

Accessible golf facilities must provide:

• Teeing grounds: Accessible route to each teeing ground
• Putting greens: Accessible route to each putting green
• Practice ranges: Accessible route to at least one practice station
• Weather shelters: Accessible route and clear floor space
• Golf car passages may serve as accessible routes where the course permits golf car use

Miniature golf courses must make at least 50% of their holes accessible:

• Accessible holes must be consecutive or connected by an accessible route
• The accessible route can include carpet/turf if firm and stable
• Slopes on the playing surface steeper than 1:4 are exempt from accessibility requirements
• The start of play area must be 48 × 60 inches minimum

Playgrounds and play areas must provide accessible ground-level and elevated play components:

• Ground-level: At least one of each type of ground-level play component must be on an accessible route
• Elevated: At least 50% of elevated play components must be connected by an accessible route (ramp system)
• Transfer platforms: Allowed as an alternative to ramps for elevated components — 14 inches high, 24 × 24 inches minimum
• Ground surfaces: Must comply with ASTM F1951 (accessibility) and F1292 (impact attenuation)

Pools and spas require accessible means of entry (also covered in §811↗):

• Pool lifts: Must support 300 lbs, seat at 16 inches wide minimum, lower to 18 inches below water level, operable without assistance
• Sloped entries: Extend to 24–30 inches below water with handrails on both sides
• Transfer walls: 12 to 16 inches wide, 16 to 19 inches above the deck
• Wading pools: Must have a sloped entry into the water
• Spas: At least one accessible means of entry — lift, transfer wall, or accessible steps

At least 5% of shooting positions (but no fewer than one) must be accessible:

• Turning space: 60-inch diameter at the firing position
• Surface: Level, firm, and stable
• Controls and ammunition storage within reach range