With Georgia's new inclusive playground legislation on the horizon, school districts, architects, and facility planners are facing new design requirements that go far beyond traditional playground construction. The good news? With the right planning partner, compliance can become an opportunity to create more engaging, accessible, and educational outdoor spaces for all students.
Understanding Georgia HB 371
In May 2025, Georgia signed House Bill 371 (HB 371) into law. Beginning July 1, 2027, all newly constructed public elementary schools that include a playground must meet specific inclusive design standards that support students of all abilities. The legislation was created to ensure that playgrounds are accessible, sensory-rich, and capable of supporting physical, social, emotional, and educational development.
The law requires playgrounds to:
- Provide a sensory-diverse environment for children of all abilities.
- Include age-appropriate and ability-appropriate play opportunities.
- Support participation during recess for all students.
- Function as an accessible outdoor classroom.
- Include a minimum of 10,000 square feet of playground space.
- Be connected to the school by an accessible pathway.
- Be fully enclosed by fencing.
- Provide at least 20% shade coverage.
- Utilize accessible unitary surfacing throughout most of the playground.
What This Means for Georgia Schools
Many school districts initially assume HB 371 is simply an ADA compliance update. In reality, the legislation establishes a much broader vision for inclusion.
Schools must now think about:
- Physical accessibility
- Sensory experiences
- Social interaction
- Communication support
- Outdoor learning environments
- Shade and thermal comfort
- Long-term maintenance and durability
Because most of these considerations impact site layout and budgeting, districts planning new elementary schools should begin evaluating playground designs during the earliest stages of project development.
How Carrollton, Georgia-Based Superior Playgrounds Helps Schools Navigate HB 371
At Superior Playgrounds, we understand that compliance is only one piece of the puzzle. Schools need practical, cost-effective solutions that satisfy legislative requirements while creating play environments students genuinely enjoy.
Our team works directly with school districts, architects, landscape architects, and construction partners to develop turnkey playground solutions that align with Georgia's new standards.
1. Inclusive Playground Design Expertise
HB 371 emphasizes play opportunities for children of all abilities. Superior Playgrounds can help schools incorporate:
- Ground-level accessible play activities
- Wheelchair-accessible play systems
- Multi-user play experiences
- Sensory-rich components
- Social gathering spaces
- Adaptive play elements
Rather than adding accessibility as an afterthought, our design approach integrates inclusion throughout the entire playground experience.
2. Accessible Surfacing Solutions
The legislation requires extensive use of accessible surfacing. We can help schools evaluate options such as:
- Poured-in-place rubber
- Bonded rubber surfacing
- Synthetic turf systems
Our team can recommend the best surfacing strategy based on budget, maintenance expectations, accessibility goals, and site conditions.
3. Shade Planning and Installation
One of the most significant requirements in HB 371 is the mandate for at least 20% shade coverage. Because we own our own shade company, Superior Shade, we can provide shade structures integrated directly into the playground equipment or provide freestanding structures over playground equipment.
4. Outdoor Classroom Integration
HB 371 specifically states that playgrounds should be capable of functioning as outdoor classrooms. Practical additions include:
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Covered teaching spaces
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Nature-based learning areas
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Communication boards
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Educational panels
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Seating circles
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Musical play elements that support STEM and sensory learning
5. End-to-End Project Coordination
Navigating new legislation can feel overwhelming. However, for Superior Playgrounds, we design and manufacture playgrounds like the ones required in this new legistation everyday. We can supports clients through:
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Site evaluation
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Concept development
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Budget planning
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Product specification
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Installation coordination
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Compliance-focused design review
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Practical product recommendations for HB 371 compliance
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Inclusive play systems
Inclusive Elements Specifically Called Out
- Communication boards
- American Sign Language (ASL) alphabet panels
- Braille panels
- Adaptive and accessible swings
- Wheelchair-accessible play components
- Sensory play panels
- Musical play features (chimes, drums, bells)
- Accessible elevated structures and slides
Why Schools Should Start Planning Now
Although playground requirements apply to new elementary schools constructed on or after July 1, 2027, most school construction projects begin planning, design, budgeting, and funding conversations years before groundbreaking. By engaging an experienced playground partner early, districts can avoid costly redesigns, improve budget accuracy, create playgrounds that go beyond standards, and more.
Partner with Carrollton, Georgia-Based Superior Playgrounds
Georgia's HB 371 represents a major step forward for inclusive play. Schools now have an opportunity not just to comply with a new law, but to create spaces where every child can learn, play, and thrive together.
Superior Playgrounds helps Georgia schools turn legislative requirements into high-performing outdoor environments through thoughtful design, inclusive products, accessible surfacing, shade integration, and outdoor learning solutions.
Whether you're planning a new elementary school, evaluating a future capital project, or looking to better understand HB 371 requirements, our team can help you build a playground that supports students today and for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Georgia HB 371?
Georgia HB 371 is a law signed in 2025 that establishes inclusive playground requirements for newly constructed public elementary schools beginning July 1, 2027.
Does HB 371 apply to existing school playgrounds?
The law applies to newly constructed public elementary schools that include playgrounds. Nothing we've read states that all existing playgrounds must be replaced.
What shade requirements are included in HB 371?
Qualifying playgrounds must provide at least 20% shade coverage through natural or man-made shade.
What playground surfacing is required under HB 371?
The law requires extensive use of accessible unitary surfacing such as poured-in-place rubber, bonded rubber, or turf systems.
How can Superior Playgrounds help with HB 371 compliance?
Superior Playgrounds can assist with inclusive playground design, accessible surfacing selection, outdoor classroom planning, equipment specification, and overall project coordination to help schools align playground projects with the law's requirements.
