See solutions and ideas for trails and greenways at www.AmericanTrails.org/resources
nic tables, grills, fire rings, and toilet and bathing facilities. The provisions for outdoor devel-
oped areas are part of the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards and apply to federal agencies that develop outdoor areas for recreational purposes.
However, the guidelines will also be helpful to local and state governments and organizations seeking to improve accessibility of their trails and recreation facilities.
The complete guide is available at www. AmericanTrails.org/resources/accessible.
Access Board releases
accessibility guide A new guide on achieving accessible outdoor sites, including trails and camp- ing areas, is now available from the U.S. Access Board. It’s called A Summary of Accessibility Standards for Federal Outdoor Developed Areas. The 112-page document discusses and illustrates provisions of accessibility guidelines the Board issued in 2013 for outdoor sites developed by the federal government. These guidelines provide detailed specifications for accessible trails, picnic and camping areas, viewing areas, beach access routes, and other components of outdoor developed areas when newly built or altered.
The new guide serves as a compan-
ion resource to the guidelines by explain- ing the intent of various requirements and how they can be met. In addition, the guide explains exceptions in the guidelines that may apply where com- pliance is not practicable because of ter- rain, prevailing construction practices, or other specified conditions. For trails, it addresses surface char- acteristics, width, and running and cross slopes. Other facilities detailed include camp sites, tent pads and platforms, pic-