End accessible picnic tables can provide ADA compliant wheelchair access.

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan. 14, 2013 - Pilot Rock “end accessible” picnic tables provide a table top that is extended 2 feet at one end, beyond the standard length seats. This extra length of top provides the necessary clearances under the top for compliant wheelchair access.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas is very specific about the wheelchair clearances required under a picnic table. To be fully ADA compliant, and wheelchair accessible, a public picnic table must provide (minimum) space under the table top that is 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, with 19 inches of knee clearance plus 5 inches of additional toe clearance.

The Pilot Rock UT Series and XT Series portable picnic tables include welded steel frames provided with a variety of finishes. You can also choose top/seat materials to fit your landscape theme. These materials include traditional lumber, 100% recycled plastic, aluminum, and thermoplastic coated expanded or perforated steel. The table frames include a lifetime warranty. The most popular top-to-seat configuration is an 8 ft. long top with 6 ft. long seats.

The company suggests park and recreation departments be careful of other tables that claim to be “ADA approved” or to offer “wheelchair” access. First, there is no such thing as “ADA approved”. The ADA does not sign off on any picnic tables or other products. Second, many other brands of tables create their “wheelchair access” picnic table by centering an 8 ft. long top on 6 ft. frame spacings. This extra one foot at each end of the table may allow a wheelchair to approach the table, but it does not provide the full 24 inches of knee and toe clearance needed under the table top that the ADA guidelines require. This table design would not be ADA compliant. If you want your parks and campgrounds to offer ADA compliant picnic tables, then you need to confirm the clearance dimensions underneath the table top.

Photo:
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