ASTM F3729-25

1.1 This guide provides information and options for fencing used in outdoor sport and recreational areas, including play spaces and playing field areas. The guidance can be used in helping to determine if a fence is warranted.

1.2 This guide assists the user to identify the circumstances such as where fencing might be appropriate and how to establish their own minimum performance recommendation. The focus of this guide is on the chain-link fence (CLF) as this is the most commonly used, cost effective and efficient form of recreational fencing.

1.3 The owners/operators and designers can use this guide to determine whether a facility would need both a perimeter open space boundary fence as well as additional internal specific activity area fencing.

1.4 This guide is intended to help the owner/operator reduce the likelihood of injuries to the user to the extent that a fence can effectively mitigate such injuries. This Standard includes guidance to evaluate site location considerations and specific activities that regularly occur within the area and that might prompt the need to include fencing with specific performance requirements.

1.5 This guide will assist the user in finding specific information for the types of fencing under consideration and, identify what ASTM standards are available to help in the selection of fencing components and other performance requirements related to the reduction of harm to the user and the quality of the designed activity within the contained space.

1.6 This guide is not intended for fencing locations with standing water associated with the activity or every specific field sport that may have other unique needs. There are other ASTM standards that specifically address these activities.

1.7 The values stated in inch-pound are to be regarded as standard. The SI values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

4.1 There are circumstances where an owner/operator of an outdoor recreation area such as a play space, waterplay/splashpad, outdoor fitness, playing field (example: soccer, football, baseball, lacrosse, tennis), skatepark, etc. determines the need for fencing to restrict, limit, or control access to or egress from, or both, an activity area. Generally, the object of the fence is either to limit people or animal access/egress; however, there can be the need to prevent the escape of devices commonly used within a specific activity area, such as balls or other potential projectiles, or control access to adjacent areas of potential concern, or both.

4.2 The owner/operator or their consultants, by using this guide and considering numerous design and regulatory considerations related to the properties offered by fencing, including: the ease of climbing, height of the fence, materials for the fence and supports, strength or resistance to movement by man or natural forces, and other factors, will assist the owner/operator to determine the design based on the intended purpose and ages of the users.

4.3 This guide will assist the user avoid the potential for harm such as entanglement, protrusions, entrapment, sharp edges or points, and crush/shear points, and potential impact concerns.

4.4 This standard offers guidance for many of the public outdoor activity areas in the United States with accessibility requirements. This document outlines minimum requirements within the USA which should be considered for compliance with the 2010 DOJ ADA Standards for Accessible Design3 where and when applicable.

4.5 There will be play and recreation activities and facilities such as, but not limited to childcare, where there will be local or State Licensing requirements that will govern certain minimum requirements that should factor into any fencing choice.

4.6 There are very rare circumstances where vehicle incursion into a play area or play space or child abduction from an outdoor facility have occurred. Where locations exist that give rise to a higher probability of very rare events such as these to occur, it would be prudent to consult with proper licensed design professional local regulatory body in resolution of such conditions.