When it comes to specialists in playground safety surfacing, there are specialists who can help you make the best choices for your facility. It’s important to work with a specialist to ensure that your chosen surface system meets both the ASTM standards for impact attenuation under and around play equipment as well as accessibility requirements for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
It is also important to choose a material that will last. Surfaces like sand and pea gravel are not resilient and can erode over time. While engineered wood fiber fill is an excellent alternative that is durable and accessible, it does require annual inspections and frequent leveling and refill. Other loose fill options, including rubber mulch and poured-in-place rubber surfaces are less durable and may need to be replaced more frequently.
The ABCs of Playground Safety Surfacing: A Comprehensive Guide
Unitary surfacing like our patented PebbleFlex is an excellent option for long-term performance and easy maintenance. It uses clean shredded recycled rubber chemically bonded together for an attractive and sustainable, durable surface. The system can be easily customized for themes or patterns and withstand climate variations. It is salt-, chlorine- and UV-resistant to meet the needs of spray parks, pools or waterparks.
Synthetic turf – also known as artificial grass or synthetic lawn – is another popular and highly durable surfacing choice for public playgrounds. It’s available in a wide range of colors and can be tailored to match the design of your facility. It requires a higher initial investment in installation, but it is designed for long-life and minimal maintenance costs.