How to Choose the Right Playground Surfacing

Many parents have been there: They take their kid to the playground and watch in horror as they lose their grip and fall. If you ever find yourself in this situation, you want the ground to break their fall. With the proper playground surfacing, a tumble will be trivial, and kids can get back to playing.

Playgrounds will always present a risk of bruises, scratches, and even injury. That’s the nature of physical activities—even more so with energetic children. But that doesn’t mean we can’t do everything in our power to mitigate that risk. We can use strong materials in the structures, ground material that provides a soft landing—the list goes on. But one thing that’s overlooked by some playground planners is a bit further below eye level. In this guide, we’ll hit the deck and explore the importance of selecting the playground surfacing that will keep the kids safe!

Safety Considerations

The big thing to consider here is impact attenuation. Soft surfaces like rubber playground flooring and engineered wood fiber can do a great job of lessening the impact should a child take a tumble. Even if they fall from a high point on the playground, the surfacing material you choose should be up to the task of saving them from injury. Different equipment has different fall height requirements, and you should always consider this when planning your playground design.

But falls aren’t the only safety hazard to consider. While most kids will be running around, some have physical disabilities that make traversal more difficult. It’s crucial to choose playground surfacing that allows for easy access and maneuverability for wheelchairs and other mobility aids. If you’re looking for help identifying these playground surfaces, we’re happy to point you in the right direction!

Durability and Maintenance

Of course, the safety features of a surface won’t mean much if the material deteriorates quickly. Be on the lookout for options that stand the test of time despite harsh weather conditions and heavy use. Poured in place rubber surfacing and artificial turf are good contenders for this criteria!

No surface is going to be immune to all damage, of course. That’s why despite your choice, you should keep in mind the maintenance you’ll need to perform for this surfacing to last. The less required maintenance, the more money you’ll save!

Material Options

We’ve touched on a few examples so far, but you’re probably wondering what your options are for playground surfacing materials. Let’s take a look at the common ones:

• Rubber Surfaces: These offer excellent impact absorption and durability, and they come in plenty of forms from tiles to mulch.
• Engineered Wood Fiber: This is made from shredded wood and offers great impact absorption. It’s also cost-effective! It does require the occasional replenishment, so be ready for that.
• Artificial Turf: This gives your playground a more natural look while boasting good impact absorption. Though the initial cost is high, that’s made up for thanks to minimal required maintenance.
• Poured in Place Rubber: Looking for a more seamless surface? This is the ticket! It’s highly durable and customizable, so you can integrate it with your playground’s theme easily!
• Pea Gravel: This is a budget-friendly option that provides decent drainage and some impact absorption. Be aware, though, that it demands regular maintenance, to ensure proper sanitation and depth.

Site-Specific Considerations

It’s important to note that these playground surfaces won’t all be ideal in every location. Some site-specific things you should keep in mind are:

• Climate and Weather Conditions: The local climate and weather patterns should be taken into account during the planning process. Some materials simply don’t hold up to harsh weather, so they should be avoided.
• Existing Terrain and Drainage: If your chosen site is prone to flooding, be sure to choose a material option that offers good drainage.
• Budget Constraints: Safety will always be a priority but budget limitations are impossible to ignore. The good news is that while some options offer better safety ratings, they are all produced with safety in mind. Try to find that balance between safe and affordable!

Conclusion

Choosing the right playground surfacing comes down to more than just aesthetics. Your top priority should always be the safety of every child who plays on it. When you focus on safety, durability, and accessibility, you’ll be offering a play space that the kids and parents will love. If you’re ready to get down to designing your playground, Metro Recreation is ready to help you on the journey. Get in touch and let’s create some adventures!