HB 371: Setting the Standard for Accessible Playgrounds in Elementary Schools
Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 371 into law on May 9, 2025, requiring every new elementary school built in Georgia after July 1, 2027 to include a fully inclusive, sensory-rich, and developmentally supportive playground that provides equal access for children of all abilities. This legislation guarantees that children of all abilities can play, learn, and grow together.
Since this landmark legislation passed in Georgia, our team has been working diligently to research and understand what this means for playground design and installation in Georgia schools. We have put together some helpful information to guide our customers through the process and to help them understand the requirements that will come into effect in 2027. The more we all understand the more we can lead Georgia's Inclusive Play Revolution!
WHY THIS MATTERS
Georgia is now a national leader in inclusive school design! HB 371 ensures that every child, regardless of ability, has access to safe, meaningful, and developmentally rich play opportunities.
Key HB 371 Requirements for ACCESSIBILITY & SITE CONDITIONS
- Accessible Route
A continuous ADA-compliant path must connect the school building to the playground. - Playground Size
Minimum 10,000 sq ft playground with 80% dedicated to active play - Fencing
Fully enclosed with secure fencing - Shade Coverage
Minimum 20% of the playground must be shaded (trees and/or shade structures are acceptable) - Surfacing Requirement
At least 80% unitary surfacing (PIP, turf, bonded rubber). - Inclusive features:
ramps, transfer stations, sensory elements, braille signage, and more
INCLUSIVE PLAY COMPONENTS
Playground must include features that support sensory, physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and imaginative development.
Required Inclusive Elements (Examples): These must be located on the unitary surfacing portion
- Communication board
- ASL alphabet panel
- Braille alphabet panel
- Roller slide
- Musical play elements (drums, chimes, bells)
- Adaptive / accessible swings
- Play components usable by a child remaining in a wheelchair
- Sensory panels
- Wheelchair-accessible elevated routes
- Accessible slide for transfer users
DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES REQUIREDHB
371 requires playgrounds to support multiple developmental domains:
Must Support:
- Physical development
- Sensory processing
- Cognitive growth
- Emotional regulation
- Social interaction
- Imaginative & creative play
- Communication skills
✔ EDUCATIONAL FUNCTION
The playground must serve as an outdoor classroom, promoting:
- structured learning opportunities
- universal access
- curriculum integration
- support for state-mandated recess
Dominica Recreation Products: Georgia’s Leaders in HB 371-Compliant Playgrounds
For decades, GameTime has pioneered inclusive, research-backed playground design, and Dominica Recreation Products has been Georgia’s exclusive partner delivering turnkey projects that exceed expectations.
Why DRP/GameTime:
- Industry-leading inclusive equipment engineered for universal access
- Proven expertise meeting (and surpassing) HB 371 standards
- Complete design-build services: site evaluation, layout, funding guidance, installation, and surfacing
- Local Georgia team with dozens of successful school projects statewide
- Durable, low-maintenance, industry leading warranty
