There are a lot of decisions you’ll need to make when you’re creating a playground, and those decisions extend beyond which equipment you’ll make available for your visitors to enjoy! For instance, you’ll need to think about which playground surface material you’ll install. This decision will impact the longevity of the playground, its safety credentials, and the overall cost of the project, so it’s not a decision to take lightly.
If you’ve been asking yourself, ‘what is the best playground surface material?’ then this page is for you. We’ll run through the top three contenders, outlining why each one could be the one that finally has pride of place in your new, awesome playground.
Poured-in-Place Rubber
Looking for a surface that’s durable, versatile, and big on safety? Then poured-in-place rubber flooring could be the way to go. This surface type has a lot of attractive qualities, including its high shock-absorbance, which gives peace of mind that if (or rather, when) a child falls in your playground, there will be a cushioning element that helps to reduce the likelihood of the child experiencing a serious injury.
There’s more to this surface material than just its safety features, however. Poured-in-place rubber comes in a variety of colors, so you can select the color that fits with the overall theme of your new playground.
Key Benefits
Wondering why so many schools and public playgrounds use poured-in-place rubber for the surface? Here are just a few of the many benefits.
Design Potential
If you’ve got grand, colorful plans for your playground, then poured-in-place rubber will give you the creative freedom you need to realize your ambitions. You can install a single, bright color, or you can use a combination of colors to enhance the visual appeal.
Safety Credentials
Some materials are better suited for high-traffic areas, and poured-in-place rubber is one of them. Other surfaces can reduce the density of other materials, which makes them less structurally sound — and which increases the risk of injury. Poured rubber won’t shift, compact, or lose any of its inherent bounciness, so you can have peace of mind that your playground will still be as safe one year down the line as it was on day one.
It’s Good for the Environment
Rubber usually comes from trees, which isn’t so great for the environment. However, when you install poured-in-place rubber, you can rest easy that you’re doing what’s right for the environment since the rubber used in this process comes from recycled materials, which means minimal environmental impact.
Is Poured-in-Place Rubber Right For You?
That’s a big question. If your project needs to be big on safety, you want to have some control over the design of the surface and be doing your bit for the environment all at the same time, then the answer could well be yes. To learn more about poured-in-place rubber flooring, give Custom Park Surfacing a call at (410) 760-8200.
Bonded Rubber Mulch
If you’re looking for a playground surface that looks like it belongs outdoors, offers high durability, and is big on fall protection, then bonded rubber mulch might be just what you’ve been looking for. This popular playground surface material is highly durable and looks good to boot, so you can have confidence that your playground is pleasing both on the eye and on the knees.
Benefits of Bonded Rubber Mulch
Natural Look
You’ll find bonded rubber mulch in many outdoor playgrounds (as well as on landscaped lawns and athletic tracks) and with good reason. This popular material offers a whole host of welcome benefits that can add an additional touch of quality to your playground. Some of the key benefits include:
Some people prefer to have a playground that looks more natural, especially if the playground has an environmental theme. Bonded rubber mulch gives a natural, woody look, making it an especially good option for school playgrounds. Plus, the earthy credentials of bonded rubber mulch aren’t only aesthetic — the material comes from recycled tires, so it really is good for the environment.
It’s Safe
You’ll typically find bonded rubber mulch in athletic environments, and that’s because of its shock absorption qualities. That helps to decrease the likelihood of an athlete suffering an injury when they fall — and the same can be said for the children that fall when playing in your park.
Low Maintenance
Nobody wants to be constantly taking care of their playground surface. When you use bonded rubber mulch, you can rest easy knowing that you have a durable surface that’ll stand the test of time.
Is Bonded Rubber Mulch Right For You?
If you want to add an eco-friendly, bouncy, customizable surface to your new playground, then bonded rubber mulch will give you just what you’re looking for — and a whole lot more. To learn more about bonded rubber mulch, contact us here at Custom Park Surfacing.
Artificial Grass
Natural grass can look pretty, but it takes hard work, time, and skills to keep it looking that way. If you want to get all the benefits of grass in your playground without any of the headaches, then installing artificial grass could be the way to go.
Benefits of Artificial Grass
Artificial grass is a popular option in a wide variety of environments, including in backyards and, yep, playgrounds! Check out some of the benefits below.
It’s Durable
Artificial grass is perfect for high-traffic areas. Strong and durable, it won’t give way or fade like other surfaces, and it can handle extreme sunshine in a way that regular grass cannot.
Low Maintenance
If you’ve ever tried to keep natural grass alive, you’ll know that it’s anything but low maintenance. Artificial grass gives you the aesthetic look that you’re looking for without any of the hard work.
It’s Soft
Parents generally don’t worry about their kids falling over when they’re playing on grass. Artificial grass is even safer since there are no stones, sticks, or bugs to deal with.
Is Artificial Grass Right For You?
If you’re looking for a natural-looking yet durable playground surface, then get in touch with Custom Park Surfacing to discuss installing artificial grass.
Contact Custom Park Today
Ready to create the perfect playground? Custom Park Surfacing is here to help you choose the ideal surface material for your project. Our team of experts will guide you through the selection process, ensuring you make the best decision for your needs and budget. Don’t wait any longer – contact Custom Park Surfacing today at (410) 760-8200 or visit our website to request a quote and get started on building your dream playground!
