Selecting The Most Optimal Playground Safety Surface Material
Playgrounds are a universal symbol of fun for children. The farthest thing from the mind of most children is the safety of the playground itself. If proper care is not given during the planning stages however, they can become a very dangerous places. One of the most important areas to consider is the playground safety surfacing material utilized.
Most of the injuries sustained on playgrounds are due to falls. The surface material selected can greatly affect the outcome and thus severity of the injury sustained. In fact, the type of material utilized is so important, it is governed by its own set of standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). While each state has different laws governing the adherence to these standards, they need to be carefully reviewed and considered not only during the planning stages, but throughout the life of the playground.
Sand, rubber, artificial turf and engineered wood fiber make up the four basic categories of surface material available. There are both positives and negatives to each of these alternatives. A careful review of each should be conducted during the selection process.
Sand may be the easiest surface to come by. It appears to have good shock absorption abilities. However, when sand gets wet, it hardens significantly greatly reducing its effectiveness as a shock absorbing cushion. It is not firm enough to provide good wheelchair accessibility. Therefore it does not receive approval through the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Another alternative to consider is rubber. It comes in several different formats. Shredded rubber is both inexpensive and a good shock absorber. Due to the fact it is spread loosely over the grounds surface, it does shift around quite easily. When this occurs, the cushioning abilities are greatly reduced. ATP Rubberized Unitary Surface and poured in place rubber provide a more permanent solutions. Both of these options are very durable and provide excellent cushioning from falls. They do come with a higher price tag however which can make them prohibitive for some. Overtime however, their durability can even out some of the upfront costs associated with this choice.
Another alternative that should be considered is artificial turf. It provides excellent shock absorption, good drainage as well as ease of accessibility. Another benefit to artificial turf is the reduction in abrasion and splinter injuries over other alternatives. It is also very aesthetically pleasing, and therefore a very popular choice. Perhaps the only disadvantage to this option is the high price tag. As with the rubberized surface options mentioned, high durability significantly reduces the overall cost over time.
Another option often considered is engineered wood fiber. This type of surface does meet most of the ASTM standards, but it can require a significant amount of maintenance over time to ensure its continued effectiveness. The wood pieces tend to compact and often shift which reduces its shock absorbing properties. For this reason, additional surface material must be added periodically to achieve optimal performance.
When constructing a playground, the material you place on the ground can be easily overlooked. If care and attention is given during the selection process, playground safety surfacing can be the farthest from your mind as well for many years to come.
You can help to prevent painful accidents at your child’s play area by exploring the benefits of safety surfacing. Rubber mulch is durable, less abrasive and has a higher cushioning effect.
