A
A-frameA swing frame shaped like the letter A, with legs angled outward to give the beam a wide, stable base.Accessible routeA smooth, firm, wide path that lets wheelchairs, walkers and strollers reach and use a playground.ADAThe Americans with Disabilities Act, a law that sets accessibility requirements for many public and commercial spaces, including playgrounds.AnchorA device, such as an auger or a concrete footing, that holds a swing set in place so swinging forces cannot lift or tip it.Artificial turfSynthetic grass installed over a prepared base. Playground turf often includes a shock-absorbing pad.ASTMA standards organization whose published standards are widely used for playground equipment and surfacing.Auger anchorA corkscrew-shaped ground anchor that is turned into the soil and attached to the foot of a frame. B
BeamThe horizontal top bar of a swing frame from which swing hangers, rings or trapezes are hung.Belt swingA flat, flexible seat, usually rubber, that suits most kids from preschool age up.BorderA timber, composite or rubber edge that holds loose-fill surfacing in place and defines the play area.Bucket seatA swing seat with high sides and often a front bar, designed to support babies and toddlers. C
Cap nutA rounded nut that covers the end of a bolt so there is no sharp point.Cargo netA rope net that kids climb, often between a tower and the ground or between two towers.CedarA naturally rot-resistant softwood popular for swing sets because it is light, stable and smooth when sanded.ChainThe links that hang a swing seat from the beam. Playground chains are galvanized or coated and sized for the load.Clubhouse deckA raised, often roofed platform on a playset where kids gather and play pretend games.CompositeA material made from wood fibers and plastic that resists rot. It is used for borders, decks and benches.CPSCThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which publishes a public playground safety handbook.Critical heightThe fall height up to which a surface is expected to protect against serious head injury. D
Deck heightThe height of a platform above the ground, which decides slide length and surfacing needs.DrainageThe way water leaves a play area. Good drainage keeps surfacing dry and structures from rotting. E
Engineered wood fiberA playground surfacing made of clean, screened wood fibers that knit together and cushion falls.EntrapmentA hazard where a child’s head, neck or clothing can become caught in an opening. Good design avoids dangerous gaps. F
Fall heightThe distance from a play surface to the ground below. It drives how deep and wide the surfacing must be.FootingA buried concrete base that holds a post or leg firmly in the ground. G
GalvanizedSteel coated in zinc to resist rust. Common for bolts, chains and brackets.Glider swingA swing that moves back and forth in a straight line, often with room for two kids.GradeThe slope or level of the ground. Grading means shaping the ground so it is level or drains properly.GuardrailA barrier along the edge of a platform that helps prevent falls. H
HangerThe fitting that connects a swing chain to the beam and lets it pivot.Hill slideA slide built into a slope that uses the ground instead of a deck. I
InfillThe material under playground turf that adds stability or cushioning. L
Lag screwA heavy screw with a hex head, used to fasten thick lumber without a nut.Loose-fillSurfacing made of loose material, such as wood fiber, rubber mulch, sand or gravel.Lounge swingA large, relaxed swing seat, like a hammock or a chair, popular with tweens and adults. M
Monkey barsAn overhead ladder that kids cross by hanging and swinging from rung to rung.MulchShredded wood or rubber used on the ground. Playground mulch is made and graded for cushioning, unlike garden mulch. N
Ninja courseA series of obstacles such as rings, rungs and warped walls built for strength and agility. P
PlaysetA play structure with towers, slides, swings and climbers, sold as a kit or built custom.Poured-in-place rubberA seamless rubber surface poured and troweled on site over a base. It is firm and accessible.Powder coatingA durable baked-on finish used on steel frames and hardware.Pressure-treated lumberWood infused with preservatives to resist rot and insects. R
RedwoodA naturally durable, reddish softwood used in premium swing sets.Rock wallA climbing wall with grips attached to a playset tower.Rope bridgeA flexible bridge of rope and planks connecting two towers.Rubber mulchShredded recycled rubber used as loose-fill playground surfacing. S
Saucer swingA wide, round, nest-like swing that several children can sit or lie in.SealerA clear coating that protects wood from water without adding much color.Shade sailA tensioned fabric canopy that blocks sun over a play area or seating.Slide exitThe bottom end of a slide where kids come off and need a clear, well-surfaced area.Spiral slideA slide that curls around a center post, saving space.StainA pigmented wood finish that adds color and protection.SurfacingThe material under and around playground equipment that cushions falls.Swing beamThe strong horizontal member that carries the swings. Its length and height decide how many swings fit and how far they travel. T
Tire swingA hanging tire, often horizontal, that holds one or more kids.TowerThe tall, usually roofed or walled part of a playset with a deck, ladder and access to slides.Trapeze barA short bar hung from ropes or chains for hanging and swinging.Tube slideAn enclosed slide shaped like a tunnel. U
Use zoneThe clear, surfaced area around equipment where children may move or fall. V
VinylA plastic sheathing used to cover playset posts and beams so they do not need staining. W
Warped wallA curved wall used in ninja courses that kids run up and grab at the top.Wave slideA slide with gentle bumps that slows the ride and adds fun.Weed barrierA fabric laid under surfacing to keep weeds from growing through. Z
Zip lineA cable ride where a rider on a seat or handle travels along a line, with a stop at the end. No term matches that search.
