Outdoor Picnic Areas

Outdoor picnic areas should be located adjacent to an accessible path of travel and marked with appropriate signage, as specified in the signage section. They should have a ground surface that’s firm, relatively level and slip resistant. Picnic areas will be easier to distinguish by people impacted by blindness when the ground surface contrasts in colour and texture to the abutting accessible path.

Picnic tables should be in good repair, without protruding nails, screws or large splinters.

Litter receptacles with open tops are easiest for people impacted by blindness to use. When a closed-top litter receptacle is necessary, the top should have spring-loaded hinges that can be easily opened with one hand.

A 100 mm wide strip of a colour-contrasted material should be placed around the top of the receptacle to assist people impacted by blindness.

Barbecues in picnic areas should be placed on a surface that contrasts in tone and texture from the immediate surroundings. They should be detectable by long cane users at the finished grade. For example, a light-coloured concrete pad with a brushed finish is suitable when surrounded by grass.

Place drinking fountains adjacent to the path of travel so that long cane users can detect them.