What is a use zone?
The use zone is the area around the equipment where a child might fall or move. It must be clear of obstacles and covered with an appropriate surface.
Guidance for public playgrounds commonly calls for at least six feet in all directions from the edges of the equipment.
Swing zones
Swings need more room because kids travel in an arc and can fall or jump from height. Guidance commonly calls for a zone in front of and behind a swing of about twice the height of the top bar.
The zone to the side also needs space, and seats should be spaced so neighbors do not collide.
Slides and climbers
Slide exits need a clear, surfaced area in front, often more than the standard six feet for taller slides. Climbing walls and ladders need a clear approach. Overhead rungs need a zone under and around them.
The higher the platform, the bigger and deeper the protected area should be.
Overlapping zones
Zones from different pieces should not overlap in ways that put a child on a swing path or under a slide exit. Where zones do overlap, the guidance for each piece should still be met.
Careful layout lets you fit several pieces without compromising any of them.
Marking it out
Mark the zone with spray paint or string before you build. Look at where branches hang and where fences and patios sit.
Our Yard Fit Planner draws zones to scale from your yard dimensions.
Zones for different equipment
Swings, slides, climbers, spring riders and merry-go-rounds all have their own guidance. Moving equipment needs more space than fixed equipment, and taller platforms need more cushioned area around them.
If you plan to add equipment later, include the extra zone in your layout now.
Check the zone after construction
Look at the finished layout from above, or draw it on paper. Make sure no fence, tree trunk, planter or patio edge sits inside a zone. Move small obstacles and trim low branches.
A final walk-through with a professional is an easy way to catch anything you missed.
Quick answers
Can the use zone overlap a patio?
Hard surfaces inside the zone are a hazard. We plan around them or move the set.
Do small sets still need a use zone?
Yes. The zone may be smaller for low equipment, but a clear, surfaced area is still important.
