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Functional Aspects of Accessible Picnic Elements

An Evaluation Report for the National Center on Accessibility by Leo McAvoy and Kathleen Scholl

Presented by: Susan Ostby

View streaming video for this presentation

Purpose

    “To ascertain the perceptions of persons with and without disabilities regarding the design and function of certain accessible picnic elements.”

  • What about the accessible elements (picnic table/fire ring/cooking grill) are useful and well designed?
  • What design problems still exist with these elements?
  • Are there perception differences between persons with and without disabilities on the design function for these picnic elements?
  • What would have to change about the site elements to make them more useable?

Methodology

  • 104 park visitors surveyed
  • Visitors included
    • People with disabilities who used wheeled mobility devices (wheelchairs, scooters, etc)
    • People who did not use wheeled mobility devices
  • Minneapolis Parks
  • Tables, grills & fire rings

Types of Evaluated Picnic Elements

  • 6 picnic tables
  • 2 pedestal grills
  • 2 fire rings

Click on a picture to enlarge:

A picture of a wooden picnic table on a flat concrete surface in a park, with the caption underneath: Fixed center post 6 feet table with two 6 feet benches. A picture of a wooden picnic table on a flat concrete surface in a park, with the caption underneath: Portable table with 6 feet benches, 8 feet tabletop, and 2 feet extension.
A picture of a wooden picnic table on a flat concrete surface in a park, with the caption underneath: Fixed pedestal square table with one bench removed for wheelchair access. A picture of a wooden picnic table on a flat concrete surface in a park, with the caption underneath: Portable table with 6 feet benches, 8 feet tabletop and 19 inch extensions on both sides.
A picture of a green metal picnic table on a flat concrete and brick surface in a park, with the caption underneath: Center of table accessibility. A picture of several picnic tables with blue wooden seats on a flat concrete surface in a shelter house, with the caption underneath: Tables that did not meet the Access Board's proposed guidelines.
A picture of a cooking grill on a flat concrete surface, with the caption underneath: Multi-level cooking grill. A picture of a cooking grill on a flat concrete surface, with the caption underneath: Adjustable charcoal retainer grill.
A picture of a fire ring sitting on the ground, with the caption underneath: Multi-level fire ring. A picture of a fire ring sitting on the ground, with the caption underneath: Single level fire ring.

Key Findings

    Usable and Well-Designed Features of Tables:

  • Designs that provide space for more than one wheelchair user
  • Wheelchair seating is situated for social interaction
  • Knee clearance for sitting close to table
  • Nothing blocking legs of wheelchair user if they choose to transfer to bench

    • Usable and Well-Designed Features of Cooking Grills:

  • Paved surfaces under grill provides greater ease of maneuvering while using the grill than loose gravel or uneven grass
  • Stair step adjustment of cooking grill was perceived to be easier to manipulate for those users with limited arm strength

Problems Affecting Functional Aspects of Elements

  • Lack of independent use to adjust grill surface heights
  • Firmness of ground and lack of clear ground space around elements
  • Elements located on inaccessible routes
  • Tables located in unattractive spots, directly in the sun or away from main activities or facility

Suggestions to Improve Accessibility

  • Understand the way sites are used
    - Increased time to locate accessible elements
    - Curb cuts at various locations
    - Tables moved to inaccessible locations
  • Understand the design problems when purchasing/building elements
    - Adjustable grill surfaces
  • Plan for Inclusion and Access
    - Standards/Guidelines are MINIMUMS
    - Principles of Universal Design

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