Playground safety surfacing is more than just a layer on the ground. It’s an integral part of the playground design that plays a crucial role in preventing injuries. According to research by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), falls from playground equipment can result in severe injuries. The right playground surface can reduce the severity of these injuries, creating a safer play environment.
At Liberty Parks, we understand that playground safety is as crucial as the fun and excitement that play equipment brings. That’s why we specialize in playground safety surfacing in NJ, DE, NY and PA, ensuring that our commercial playgrounds not only meet but exceed safety standards. Read on to discover more information about our playground safety surfacing options, or contact us today to schedule a playground consultation!
Choosing the right playground surface can significantly reduce playground injuries. From engineered wood fiber (EWF) to rubber mulch, loose-fill material offers a natural look and are cost-effective surfacing options. Other options like sand or pea gravel can also be used as loose-fill surfacing, providing a stable surface for children to play on.
Certain types of playground surfacing, such as rubber tiles and poured-in-place materials, provide a more uniform appearance. These surfaces are particularly suitable for high-traffic areas or play areas designed for a specific age group. They are also compliant with ADA requirements, making them a good choice for playgrounds that cater to children with mobility challenges.
Engineered wood fiber mulch is a popular material for playground surfacing. It is a cost-effective option and creates a natural aesthetic that blends well with outdoor settings. Unlike landscape mulch, engineered wood fiber (EWF) is designed specifically for playgrounds. It provides a cushioned surface that can absorb the impact of a child’s fall, reducing the risk of injuries.
Loose-fill rubber, such as rubber nuggets or rubber mulch, is another excellent option. It offers similar safety benefits as EWF while also being low-maintenance and durable. However, it’s essential to remember that loose-fill surfacing requires regular maintenance, including topping up and raking, to ensure even distribution across the entire playground area.
For those seeking a more low-maintenance playground surfacing option, unitary surfacing types like rubber tiles or pour-in-place surfacing are worth considering. These surfaces offer a seamless finish, reducing the risk of tripping hazards and making it easier for mobility devices to navigate the play area. They also eliminate the potential choking hazard associated with some loose-fill material choices.
Rubber playground surfaces like rubber granules or synthetic turf are other unitary materials that combine safety with ease of maintenance. Synthetic turf, in particular, provides an excellent alternative to natural grass on public playgrounds, offering the appearance of real grass without the issues of dirt, animal waste, or wear and tear.
Proper installation is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of playground safety surfacing. Our team of experienced professionals is trained in the correct installation procedures for all types of playground surfacing materials. Our playground installation experts will ensure that your chosen surfacing material is evenly distributed and compacted to provide the most effective protection against falls.
Regardless of the surfacing type chosen, all playground surfaces need regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they continue to provide adequate fall surfacing, and as mentioned before, some loose-fill playground surfaces need occasional material top-ups and raking. Wear mats can be added to high-traffic areas under swing equipment or at slide exits to prevent the displacement of loose fill materials.
No Fault offers poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing for playgrounds, splash pads, pool decks, baseball fields, walking/jogging tracks and much more! They also provide rubber tiles, synthetic play turf, bonded and loose-fill rubber mulch.
Zeager offers a wide variety of recreational surfacing products, including engineered wood fiber, artificial turf grass, trail surfacing and recreational indoor carpet. Utilizing wear mats and drainage systems provides the advantages of easy maintenance, natural and renewable materials, and excellent protection against falls.
XGrass synthetic playground turf surfacing is designed from the ground up for safety. Designed with PolyGreen Play foam padding underlayment and antimicrobial Envirofill infill, their system is the safest turf play surface available today. Their Heat Block technology is cooler too – up to 17.5°F cooler than other artificial grass systems.
With an extensive line of surfacing options ranging from high-quality loose-fill, to advanced poured-in-place systems, synthetic turf, ADA enhancing accessories and their vulcanized interlocking tile, Rubberecycle have the right solution for you.
Safety Turf will install your new surface using two layers of custom rubber surfacing. The first is a precise combination of recycled tire buffing mixed on site with a MDI based polyurethane binder. The second layer is EPDM rubber granules and a MDI based polyurethane binder.
Fibar Systems consist of engineered wood fibers that knit together to form a surface soft enough to cushion falls, yet firm enough for wheelchairs. A patented drainage system protects your investment from bad weather damage and avoids mud and puddles after a rain. Easy to install and maintain. Additionally, all wood fiber mixes are backed by 25-year warranty.
Liberty Parks provides a complete line of playground surfacing material that meets safety standards, ensuring that your playground project is not only fun but also safe. Whether you’re looking for a surfacing material with a natural look, such as wood chips, or seeking a low-maintenance solution with rubber tiles, we have the right surfacing for your playground. We understand the importance of playground safety surfacing and are dedicated to providing products that meet the highest safety and quality standards.
Let us help you make the right choice for your playground project. Contact us today to find out more about our playground safety surfacing options in NJ, DE, NY and PA.