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Release No. FS-0510 |
Contact: |
Heidi Valetkevitch, (202) 205-1089 |
FOREST SERVICE UNVEILS INNOVATIVE WHEELCHAIR-FRIENDLY
PLAYGROUND THAT
USES COST-EFFECTIVE WOOD CHIPS
New technology will allow more public parks and playgrounds to be
accessible to people using mobility devices
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md., Oct. 21, 2004 - More children with physical
disabilities will now be able to enjoy a wheelchair-friendly playground,
thanks to researchers at U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service's
Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wis.
In celebration of National Forest Products Week, the H. Winship
Wheatley Early Childhood Center here became the first demonstration
site for the new playground, which uses readily-available and inexpensive
surface material made from inexpensive wood chips.
"Traditional wood chips and other loose materials, such as
sand or pea gravel used in today's playgrounds are generally effective
at reducing injuries from falls, but such surfaces pose a serious
obstacle for anyone using a wheelchair or walker," said Ann
Bartuska, deputy chief for research and development at the Forest
Service. "Our researchers have been working to develop a cost-effective
material that combines the necessary shock-absorbance with enough
firmness to enable a wheelchair or other device to maneuver easily
and safely."
Currently, many playgrounds use a 10- to 12-inch layer of wood
chips, called "engineered wood fiber," to prevent injuries
around swings, climbing gyms and other playground equipment. Currently
available materials, such as a molded rubber can be very expensive.
"Engineered wood fiber" is the technical name for a loose,
mulch-like mixture of hardwood chips that meets certain specifications
regarding size and shape of the chips, consistency, drainage, impact
attenuation and other qualities. However, because the material is
loose, the wheels or feet of a mobility device quickly sink in,
causing the wheelchair or other device to get stuck or even tip
over.
"Many of our children use wheelchairs, walkers or crutches
and are eager to try out the new playground equipment," said
Wheatley Center Principal Linda Wiskochil.
The prototype surfacing material consists of a 11/2- to 21/2-inch
thick layer of engineered wood fiber mixed with a polyurethane binder
or stabilizer. The stabilized fiber is on top of eight to 10 inches
of loose (unstabilized) engineered wood fiber, which is on top of
a drainage layer.
The research was partially funded by The Access Board, an independent
federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities.
More information on the new playground can be found at www.fpl.fs.fed.us.
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The Forest Products Laboratory was established in 1910 with the
mission of conserving and extending the country's wood resources.
Today, FPL's research scientists explore ways to promote healthy
forests and clean water, and improve papermaking and recycling processes.
Through FPL's Advanced Housing Research Center, researchers also
work to improve homebuilding technologies and materials.
Note to Editors: Photographs are available.
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