Choosing the Right Playground Resurfacing

Choosing the right Playground Resurfacing is an important decision that impacts both safety and cost. The best way to determine what surfacing is right for your facility is to work with the experts, and to take a close look at the available options. We will discuss standards, solutions and surfacing surfaces that help make your playground safe and ADA compliant.

Loose products, like sand and wood fiber, often appear to be softer than bound options, but they don’t always take the brunt of the force in high impact areas such as under swings, near slides and transfer points. In addition, loose materials can easily be dispersed or kicked around the playground, creating ruts, pits and grooves on surfaces that children use daily.

Sustainability in Play: Eco-Friendly Options for Playground Resurfacing

When selecting a loose material for a play area, it is imperative that it meet all industry and government requirements. It should also be field tested and certified for ADA compliance. The most important factor in a playground surface is how it absorbs falls. Head injuries can range from minor to fatal, and the surfacing plays an integral role in preventing them.

If you are looking for a low initial investment and minimum maintenance, shredded wood or recycled rubber mulch may be an option for you. However, if you are willing to invest a little more upfront and want to spice up your playground with colors or graphics, you should consider PIP or other unitary surfacing.