Accessibilty

Going "Beyond Compliance" has been Robertson's mission from the start.  Independently tested to the ASTM F1951 standard for wheelchair accessibility—so everyone can roll, walk, and play together.
 
All featured systems pass ASTM F1951 for straight and turning movement.
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What Does “ASTM F1951” Mean?

ASTM F1951 is a laboratory test used to evaluate how easily a wheelchair can travel over a surface. It measures the amount of effort required to propel a wheelchair both in a straight line and while turning. A surface passes the test if the effort needed does not exceed that of a standard control surface, defined as having a work value of 7.1% or less. 

Why it matters: A passing result means the surface supports independent mobility for wheelchair users and others with mobility devices.

The Bottom Line: F1951 is about real-world mobility—how easily wheels move on the surface.

Learn More About ASTM Standards

 

Verified Accessibility Testing for Robertson Systems

  • Turf: ~1.25" mono + thatch
  • Base: Brock Powerbase® shock pad over aggregate
  • Infill: Stabilizing Envirofill®
  • Results:
    • Straight Work: Pass
    • Turning Work: Pass
  • What that means: Pushing and maneuvering a wheelchair on Optimum feels comparable to a smooth control surface, with notably easier turns.
  • Bottom Line: Optimum delivers a confident roll and easy steering—great for high-traffic play areas.
  • Turf: ~1" mono + thatch
  • Base: 4" SBR buffings over aggregate
  • Infill: Stabilizing Envirofill®
  • Results:
    • Straight Wor: Pass
    • Turning Work: Pass
  • What that means: Movement (both straight and turning) requires no more effort than the control surface—smooth, predictable mobility.
  • Bottom Line: Elite offers balanced, all-around accessibility with consistent mobility.
  • Material: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber (EPDM)
  • Results:
    • Straight Wor: Pass
    • Turning Work: Pass
  • What that means: Movement (both straight and turning) requires no more effort than the control surface—smooth, predictable mobility.
  • Bottom Line: TotTurf Standard offers balanced, all-around accessibility with consistent mobility.
  • Material:  Thermo Plastic Vulcanized Rubber (TPV)
  • Results:
    • Straight Wor: Pass
    • Turning Work: Pass
  • What that means: Movement (both straight and turning) requires no more effort than the control surface—smooth, predictable mobility.
  • Bottom Line: TotTurf Supreme offers balanced, all-around accessibility with consistent mobility.
Material:  Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber (EPDM)
  • Results:
    • Straight Wor: Pass
    • Turning Work: Pass
  • What that means: Movement (both straight and turning) requires no more effort than the control surface—smooth, predictable mobility.
  • Bottom Line: TotTurf 5/500 offers balanced, all-around accessibility with consistent mobility.

Why Do These Numbers Matter?

  • Work Ratio under 7.1% = Pass. That means the surface is as easy or easier to push across than the benchmark control.
  • We show both straight and turning values because turning is part of real play—approaching equipment, changing directions, and social play moments.

Bottom Line: Lower numbers mean easier rolling; all Robertson systems listed here pass in both straight and turning. 

Child being pushed in a stroller on an artificial turf playground

Designed for Everyday Accessibility

  •  Smooth, stable surface that doesn’t “grab wheels"

  •  Consistent support across high-use areas and approach routes

  •  Predictable maneuvering for turns, starts, and stops

  •  Inclusive by design—great for mobility devices, strollers, and walkers

Explore Our Products
An asian child rolling in a wheelchair on an artificial turf playground-1

What Ensures Ongoing Accessibility 

  • Professional installation: Proper base prep and seams help maintain smooth rolling.

  • Right infill & maintenance: Maintaining infill levels and brushing keeps fibers upright and the surface even.

  • Good drainage: Dry, firm fields and playgrounds roll better and feel safer.

  • Routine checks: Quick inspections catch minor issues (like depressions) before they affect mobility.

Bottom Line: Install it right, maintain it simply, and accessibility stays consistent.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM F1951 is the recognized method for evaluating wheelchair access on playground surfacing. Our passing F1951 results support compliance efforts when combined with proper design, routes, transitions, and maintenance practices. 

 Yes—when installed over the correct base and maintained per our guidelines. We provide simple care instructions to keep the surface smooth and rollable. 

 Different test, different purpose. F1951 measures mobility. Impact safety is measured by ASTM F1292. SprintPlay systems are engineered to address both accessibility and safety when specified accordingly. 

Are You Ready to Design an Accessible Space?

Feel free to contact us with any questions, and we will get back to you shortly.

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