A playground is where students make the most of their recess time. Making it safe, from equipment to surfaces, can turn the school playground into a fun learning space and a haven for the students to explore during their pastime in a valuable way.
Safety surfaces are vital to playground safety. Selecting a surface for a school playground involves balancing protection, durability, aesthetics, and cost. Familiarizing yourself with each playground surface the market offers can help finalize the playground surface that is perfect for your preferences.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- SAFETY SURFACING
- CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLAYGROUND SURFACES
- MAINTAINING SAFETY ON SURFACES
- FINAL THOUGHTS
- SAFETY SURFACING
The playground surface is not just the foundation but also plays an essential role in keeping a safe and enjoyable environment for students. Whether planning a new playground or upgrading the surfaces, you must familiarize yourself with the best surface option that perfectly blends with your preferences.
Here is a bar chart illustrating the common choices for school playground surfaces in the US
- Poured-in-Place Rubber
Poured-in-place Rubber is seamless, durable, and versatile. You can customize it to the pattern of your choice.
Advantages:
Easy to maintain
Long-lasting
Ideal for safety and inclusivity
ADA Compliant
Where to Buy:
United Sustaining Surfacing in America
- Artificial Grass
Artificial grass is an aesthetic design that easily blends with the environment and a natural-looking playground surface. That provides soft and cushioned landing surfaces.
Advantages:
Low maintenance
Green aesthetic design
Reduced maintenance cost
Where to Buy:
- Rubber Mulch
Rubber Mulch is eco-friendly, durable, and famous for school playground surfaces. It is made from recycled tires that give excellent shock absorption, reducing the risk of fall injuries.
Advantages:
Eco-Friendly
Weather Resistant
Long Lasting
Low maintenance
Where to Buy:
- Engineered Wood Fiber
Engineered wood fiber has a natural look that easily blends with the environment. It is undoubtedly affordable but requires frequent maintenance. The refined wood fiber provides a soft playground surface with the required depth.
Advantages:
Affordable costings
Natural blending
Eco-Friendly
Where to Buy:
- Sand
Sand is a good choice for playground surfaces. It offers a soft landing that blends with environment and a play opportunity anywhere where students can dig, build, and explore but need frequent debris checking.
Advantages:
Multi-functional surfaces
Encourage Sensory Play
Eco-Friendly
Low-cost
Where to Buy:
Whatever you choose, it can make a difference in creating a space where kids can spend their time during breaks, a great chance to explore and grow. With the material, you’ll not only give safety to the students but also create a spark and joy for all.
Which school playground fits with the school’s preference?
- CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLAYGROUND SURFACES
Choosing a suitable surface for a school playground balances safety, durability, aesthetics, and cost. It is an important decision that will lead to a great play experience and long-term maintenance and accessibility of the school playground.
Here are the guides that will lead you to the best choice for your school playground surface;
- Safety
Safety is the top priority. Choose a playground surface that provides excellent shock absorption and minimizes injury risk. The best options are poured-in-place rubber, rubber mulch, and engineered wood fiber.
Match the surfacing option to the height of playground equipment and the standard depth requirements.
- Cost
Playground surfaces cost differently. Some schools prioritize safety and are budget-friendly. The best choices are sand, artificial turf, and engineered wood fiber.
On the other hand, a more significant investment can be a good choice,e but it offers durability and low maintenance costs.
- Maintenance
Playground surfaces are heavily exposed and used primarily during school days. The foot traffic affects the surfaces, so when choosing, consider materials that can handle wear and tear and are easy to maintain.
Low-maintenance surfaces are artificial grass, rubber mulch, and poured-in-place rubbers.
Moderate maintenance surfaces are engineered wood fiber and sand that need regular replenishing and checking of debris.
- Aesthetic & Eco-Friendly
Playground surfaces can add visual appeal and an inviting environment, especially when they design a natural-themed playground. The best choices for these themed playgrounds are sand, artificial turf, rubber mulch, and engineered wood fiber.
If you are considering a playful design for playground surfaces, the best choice is a customizable surface like poured-in-place rubber that comes with different colors, patterns, and designs of your choice.
- Accessibility
To maintain accessibility, choose wheel-chair-friendly surfaces that comply with the Americans with Disability Act(ADA; including the best choices of poured-in-place rubber and artificial grass.
- Weather Considerations
Weather affects the longevity and effectiveness of the playground surfaces. Whatever surfaces you consider proper action can make the playground safe for weather conditions.
With a suitable playground surface, your school can be a safe, vibrant, and inclusive space that students will enjoy and explore for years.
- MAINTAINING SAFETY ON SURFACES
Proper maintenance and regular inspection of playground surfacing can ensure safety, minimize injuries, and secure a fun environment for the students. Here is the checklist for keeping the safety on playground surfaces;
- Regular inspections on playground surfaces should be conducted weekly and after they are heavily used.
- Maintain the standard proper depth of 6-12 inches, and rake and distribute the mulches evenly, especially under slides and swings.
- Clean and sanitize the surfaces using the proper care method for specific surfacing materials.
- Consider the weather conditions in maintaining safety; for heat-absorbent surfaces, use net shade, and for the winter season, clear snow regularly to avoid the surfaces getting slippery for play on.
- Repair damages immediately to prevent tripping hazards and refill to maintain the proper depth and surface consistency.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines and instructions.
- Educate the students on general safety and install signage as a reminder.
- Conduct an annual professional assessment on safety on playground surfaces and the whole playground.
- Use ADA-compliant playground surfaces to maintain inclusive, smooth, and non-toxic surfaces.
- Choose school playground wisely.
- FINAL THOUGHTS
Choosing your best playground surfaces and proper maintenance makes a safe playground essential for creating a comfortable and enjoyable space for everyone. A safe space where they can relax, have fun, socialize, and embrace the benefits of playing outdoors and a space where school memories are made and forever remembered.