As things are warming up and the laughter of children at play is back on the horizon, it’s time to talk about an often-overlooked element of the playground – the safety surface materials. While kids and adults are drawn to thrilling playground equipment like climbers and slides, surfacing material is equally important. These materials serve as a soft landing pad for our little champions, ensuring their tumble from the swings or slides is softened.
With playgrounds soon to be buzzing with activity, it’s the perfect time to reassess the surfacing under your entire playground. If the existing safety material is running low, consider replenishing it or switching to a more efficient option. To assist you in this task, we’ve compiled a convenient comparison of top playground safety surfaces. Dive in, and let’s ensure our children can play it safe!
Why is safety surfacing for playgrounds important?
The quality of safety surfacing for commercial playgrounds plays a crucial role in preventing injuries by offering a stable and impact-absorbing foundation. Safety surfacing provides a protective layer that absorbs impact and reduces the likelihood of serious injuries during play. Having a good material to cover playgrounds ensures that children have a safe place to play while also maintaining the integrity of the surfacing.
Types of Playground Surfacing Materials
There are a whole host of playground flooring options, each with advantages and disadvantages. However, certain playground surfaces are clear winners and losers in the competition. Take a look at the comparison chart for the down and dirty on playground dirt!
| Material | Cost | Safety | Durability | Maintenance | ADA Compliant | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poured-in-Place (PIP) Rubber | Moderate | Good | Good | Low | Yes | Moderate |
| Pavement (Asphalt/Cement) | Low | Poor | Good | Low | Yes | Moderate |
| Natural Grass | High | Moderate | Moderate | High | No | Difficult |
| Artificial Turf | High | Good | Good | Low | Yes | Moderate |
| Pea Gravel | Low | Moderate | Moderate | High | No | Easy |
| Sand | Low | Moderate | Low | High | No | Easy |
| Bonded Rubber Mulch | Moderate | Good | Moderate | Low | No | Easy |
| Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | High | No | Easy |
| Wood Chips | Low | Poor | Moderate | Moderate | No | Easy |
| Rubber Tiles | High | Good | Moderate | Low | Yes | Moderate |
Get on Solid Ground with adventureTURF
Making the right decision for a playground safety surface is crucial. This decision encompasses a variety of factors, such as safety, durability, and accessibility. At adventureTURF, we understand this can seem overwhelming, which is why we provide a comprehensive guide and a project gallery for your reference. We also offer personal assistance to answer your questions and provide a free quote to start your journey towards a safe, fun, and visually appealing playground. From wood chips to recycled rubber mulch, we’ll help you choose the best surfacing materials and make your playground a safe haven for play!
