Creating safe and engaging play environments isn’t just about functionality—it’s about transforming spaces for creativity, exploration, and fun. This was the heart of adventureTURF’s recent project in Glendale, Arizona, where the team turned a barren piece of land into a vibrant playground for a childcare facility. Combining expert craftsmanship with a commitment to safety and aesthetics, adventureTURF delivered a solution that checks every box for busy daycare administrators and playground designers.
Why was Playground Surfacing so Important for this Project?
The right surfacing was a critical component of this playground, as it provides a safe and accessible surface for children to play. A well-designed playground surfacing system can help prevent injuries, reduce maintenance costs, and create a welcoming environment for children of all ages. Let’s explore the importance of playground surfacing, the unique challenges of Arizona’s climate, and how to choose the right playground equipment to complement your surfacing.
Safety and Accessibility at the Forefront
Playground surfacing is essential for ensuring the safety and accessibility of a playground. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200,000 children are treated in emergency departments each year for playground-related injuries. A significant portion of these injuries can be attributed to inadequate or poorly maintained surfacing. A safe and accessible playground surfacing system can help prevent falls, reduce the risk of injury, and create a welcoming environment for children with disabilities.
AdventureTURF’s Expertise on Display
At adventureTURF, we have extensive experience designing and installing playground surfacing systems that meet the unique needs of Arizona’s climate. Our team of experts has worked with schools, daycare centers, and municipalities to create safe and accessible playgrounds that promote physical activity and social interaction. We offer a range of playground surfacing options, including artificial turf and poured-in-place rubber surfaces, each designed to provide a safe and durable surface for children to play on.
Arizona’s Unique Challenges for Playground Surfacing
The process of creating poured rubber playground surfacing requires a distinct approach when dealing with hot climates. Our state-of-the-art formula has been engineered to withstand high sun exposure and hot temperatures. The cornerstone of this approach lies in the incorporation of UV-protective elements within the adhesive that binds the rubber granules. While the granules remain consistent across all our projects, the importance of tailoring the formula to specific climates cannot be underestimated.
Furthermore, we usually avoid including black in the design for extremely hot climates to prevent unnecessary heat absorption. This method, albeit more expensive, proves beneficial in maintaining the longevity of the playground’s color and overall aesthetic, preventing fading and other damage. The choice of color plays an essential role, particularly in regions with high heat and sun exposure.
Designing a Playground from the Ground Up
adventureTURF was approached with comprehensive design requirements by a childcare provider in Glendale, Arizona. The project’s scope? Building a playground on an unused land parcel and transforming it into an engaging and secure outdoor space for children. From layout planning to the installation of play equipment and surfacing, adventureTURF’s team collaborated with multiple stakeholders to meet safety regulations and exceed expectations.
The challenge was clear—create an environment that is safe for children of all ages, complies with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, and is durable enough to withstand years of activity while still looking visually appealing.
Collaborating for Success
A standout feature of adventureTURF’s approach lies in collaboration. For this project, the team worked closely with the childcare provider and general contractors to ensure every detail was accounted for. This included age-appropriate play designs, sub-base preparation, and grading for water redirection. These crucial steps ensured a great-looking playground that performs exceptionally well over time while requiring minimal maintenance.
What Made adventureTURF Their Top Choice?
This customer chose adventureTURF due to their long-standing satisfaction with our exceptional products and service. Over the years, the center has relied on adventureTURF for its durable, safe, and visually appealing surfacing solutions that cater perfectly to the needs of an active childcare environment.
Our commitment to quality and outstanding customer service have made us a trusted partner in maintaining a secure and enjoyable play area for children. When the time came to build a new playground from the ground up, the childcare center confidently returned to adventureTURF, knowing the surfacing would not only meet but exceed safety and aesthetic standards while ensuring long-term durability in a desert climate.
Why the Poured Rubber/Turf Combo Playground Surfacing was a Game-Changer
One of the most striking features of the new playground is the incorporation of poured rubber safety surfacing. This innovative material is fast becoming a favorite in playground design for its safety benefits, durability in high-traffic areas, and vibrant appeal. Rubber surfacing in playground areas offers excellent impact absorption, low maintenance needs, and long-lasting durability, making it an ideal choice for safe and sustainable play spaces.
Safety First
adventureTURF specifically chose poured rubber surfacing for key areas under high-risk equipment like swings, where children are more prone to falls. This surfacing absorbs impact effectively, reducing injuries and ensuring peace of mind for childcare staff and parents alike.
Aesthetic Appeal
Alongside safety, the poured rubber surfacing material adds vibrant colors and a fun texture, making the playground an engaging and visually striking space. The ability to create custom patterns or use bold colors sets this material apart from more traditional options.
Low Maintenance
Unlike most playground flooring, artificial turf and poured rubber safety surfacing are extremely durable and provide years of service without the hassle of ongoing maintenance, making it an ideal choice for childcare facilities.
Artificial Turf Meets Longevity and Style
To add another layer of value, adventureTURF also installed artificial turf across key sections of the playground. This strategic choice was aimed at combining style with safety.
A Lush, Green Look
Synthetic turf delivers a natural, lush, and inviting appearance without the challenges of maintaining real grass. It remains green and vibrant year-round, regardless of the weather in Arizona.
Durable and Clean
Artificial turf offers a safe, non-abrasive surface for active play, while also being devoid of allergens like pollen. Plus, it’s easy to clean and maintain, keeping the playground area fresh for daily use.
Complementing Rubber Surfacing
The combination of vibrant poured-in-place rubber and durable artificial turf creates a dynamic, visually appealing playground that’s as functional as it is beautiful. It is especially useful for defining play areas, such as distinguishing between public playground equipment and sports fields.
Ideal for Swings and Merry-Go-Rounds
While these areas take an extreme beating from little feet, we tweak the formula under swings and spinners to make the surfacing last longer than traditional loose-fill surfacing like wood chips, rubber mulch, or engineered wood fiber.
The Importance of Planning and Grading for Effective Playground Surfacing
Another element of the project that underscores adventureTURF’s expertise was the strategic preparation of the sub-base and drainage systems. Proper sub-base grading ensures long-term structural stability while preventing issues like flooding or erosion. By prioritizing these foundational details, the team set up the playground for years of hassle-free use.
Key Takeaways for Childcare Facilities and Designers
If you’re planning a commercial playground for your childcare facility or school, consider these tips learned from adventureTURF’s Glendale project success:
Prioritize safety materials
Investing in durable, impact-absorbing surfaces like poured rubber and artificial turf can significantly reduce playground-related injuries while enhancing aesthetics.
Plan for the long-term
Proper sub-base preparation, grading, and drainage are critical for durability and ease of maintenance.
Collaborate with experts
Work with trusted partners to ensure safety compliance throughout the entire playground and meet specific needs for age-appropriate play areas
Think about usability
A low-maintenance, visually appealing design allows staff to focus on what matters most—providing exceptional care and education. Poured-in-place rubber and our artificial turf products perform great and reduce the amount of dirt tracked into the building (and mom’s washing machine ).
Create a Safe, Beautiful Playground with adventureTURF
Every child deserves a safe, stimulating space to play. AdventureTURF’s Glendale, AZ playground proves that you can bring that vision to life with the right team and materials.
Whether you’re a childcare administrator, school official, or playground designer, AdventureTURF is here to help you achieve your goals.
Contact adventureTURF today to learn more about our expertise in installing poured rubber safety surfacing, artificial turf, and other playground surfacing options. Get on your way to designing vibrant play areas that children (and staff) will love!
