When you design and build a playground, choosing the right surfacing is an important consideration. Are you looking for a playground surface that is ecofriendly and protects your children in case of a fall while also making a space that’s attractive to children? Consider recycled rubber.
It is estimated that Americans throw away about 290 million rubber tires per year. Twelve states, such as Connecticut, ban all scrap tires from landfills. Using mulch from recycled rubber keeps discarded tires out of the landfill. It takes about 80 tires to make one cubic yard of mulch so using it for playground surfaces definitely makes a dent in the stockpile of discarded tires. Recycled rubber requires less energy to produce than new rubber so it saves energy too. Rubber has a springy quality that provides cushioning in the event of a fall. It absorbs shock better than any other loose fill playground surfacing option. Unlike sand, rubber remains loose no matter what the temperature is or what the weather conditions are, a definite plus in New England states like Maine or Massachusetts. Unlike wood chips, rubber mulch doesn’t harbor fungus or mold so you can install it in damp areas. Like any loose fill material, shredded rubber may need some maintenance to keep the surface level, but because it does not absorb or retain water (it therefore does not rot) you do not need to top it up as frequently. A great playground design invites play. Recycled rubber playground surfacing comes in different colors so you can coordinate the surface color with the overall color theme of your playground design for an attractive and inviting look. For more information, please contact Doug Knotts at [email protected] or call 617-244-3317.
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A study on playground injuries showed that over 70% of them are due to falls under play structures. To ensure that our parks and school playgrounds are safe for children to enjoy, installing a safe playground surface is essential. While it is common for kids to play in sand or grass and soil, these surfaces are generally unsafe when commercial grade play structures are installed on them. So what types of playground surface materials are safe and how to they compare? Among the safe, ADA-compliant playground surfacing materials, the most popular options are wood fiber, rubber mulch and pour-in-place rubber. Wood Fiber Playground Mulch Wood fiber mulch is affordable and eco-friendly. It is made from engineered wood and is free of paint and chemicals. It does require raking and top ups, thus the maintenance cost can be higher than rubber mulch. Wood fiber has a natural look that blends in well with most outdoor park playground settings. Recycled Rubber Mulch Playground Surfacing Rubber mulch is made from recycled tires. It does not absorb water and decompose, and requires less top ups than wood fiber. It also offers better fall protection than wood fiber. Pour-in-place Rubber Playground Surfacing This is the most accessible surface and allowing wheelchairs to most easily roll over it. It must be installed over concrete, asphalt or a compacted aggregate stone and is comprised of two layers, a cushioning layer and a decorative top layer. The top layer can be creatively designed in various colors and patterns to enhance the look of the playground. Pour-in-place rubber playground surfacing is durable and needs little maintenance other than checking for cracks on a regular basis, but it is more expensive compared to wood fiber and rubber mulch.
Premier Park and Play has designed and installed many excellent playgrounds in New England that meets safety and accessibility standards. We offer playground surfacing options including wood fiber mulch, rubber mulch, poured-in-place rubber and others. To find out which playground surfacing option is right for you, please contact Doug Knotts at [email protected] or call 617-244-3317. |
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Premier Park and Play is a playground equipment supplier based in Newton, Massachusetts. Archives
January 2018
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