Playground safety surfacing constructs areas where kids can run and play without physically harming themselves. These surfaces are located underneath and close to playground structures, swings, slides, and other equipment to protect kids in case they fall.
Checking alternatives is necessary when choosing the correct safety surfacing for the playground. That aspect is because safety is available in several different forms. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the needs and requirements. For instance, loose-fill options are suitable for budget-conscious playground designs.
When choosing the correct playground safety surfacing, the important matter should always be safety and security along with its accessibility. To determine which playground surface falls under the budget, check the total ownership cost, including the initial investment, maintenance, and expense over the surface’s life span.
Advantages of Playground Surfacing
Playground safety surfacing offers various benefits for outdoor and indoor playgrounds. These benefits range from aesthetic presence to endurance, protection, and more, making it the perfect choice over alternatives such as loose fill and colored concrete.
Here are some of the benefits of playground safety surfacing:
Protection & Safety
Fall reduction and slip resistance are the primary advantages of playground safety surfaces. These features reduce the possibility of injuries to children during playtime, whether the children play on the ground or fall from play equipment.
Comfort
Ambient temperature increases when playground surfaces heat up, and the temperatures get even closer to the heated surface where the kids usually play. As a result, children start to experience more uncomfortable temperatures than they are, and the risk of burning their sensitive skin on play equipment and surfaces can also increase.
Playground safety surfaces consume more heat than any other safety surfaces. The structure effectively reflects light and remains cooler than other surfaces tested under the exact situations.
Durability
Playground safety surfacing always has the facility of repairability. Playground safety surfacing is often installed in the form of tiles. Therefore, tiles can be replaced easily if torn or worn out.
Ease for any Adventure
Be it around play equipment, over shapes and platforms, or around the water jets or fountains of splash parks, the smooth quality ensures that the playground surface functions with effectiveness and works with great flexibility.
Maintenance
Playground safety surfaces respond positively to dust, food scraps, and spilled beverages. The occasional cleaning ensures that it does not tangle the young limbs of kids. In the case of dirt, playground safety surfaces can be easily maintained by cleaning products available.
Disadvantages of Playground Surfacing
When choosing the right playground safety surfacing, it is important to consider various factors such as safety, installation, and budget. as it might otherwise have several disadvantages. Here are the disadvantages of playground surfacing.
Effective Materials
Though the playground surface materials are tested, it needs to be changed every decade so that it functions effectively, which can become tiring and difficult to remember. The material needs to be changed every decade to ensure they are providing proper shock absorption, fall reduction, and resistance.
Professional Help
Installation of playground safety surfaces is something that an individual cannot do. To install it correctly requires professional help with the experience of the right tools and installation method.
Cleanliness
Cleaning the safety surface for a frequent period is mandatory. Regular cleaning helps in maintaining hygiene and the appearance of the surface. Otherwise, the surfacing can fudge and lose aesthetic presentation within a few years.
Water Storage
Water storage is a common complaint with playground surfacing. It makes the surface more inclined to cause accidents and hazards. The playground surfacing material requires frequent washing to ensure proper water discharge to avoid any accidents.
Challenge for Special Needs Children
Though the playground surfacings are quality checked and safety standards are also followed, the gap in the rolls of surfacings material limits the special needs children from using mobility assistance, such as wheelchairs and walkers, to move comfortably.
Budget Associated with the Playground Surfacing
For playground surfacing, the cost is decided upon the square foot diameter and the kind of playground surface. The more expensive poured-in-place rubber surfacing, the higher will be the initial cost but much lower the maintenance cost. On the other hand, choosing a designed wooden fiber will be economical initially but will have higher maintenance costs.
The problem with wooden fiber is that with time, the wooden fiber degrades, and additional wooden pellets will need to be installed to help maintain the level of deepness for safety measures.
Conclusion
Each playground project is different. At the heart of every playground project is the assured safety of kids. The playground surfacing has pros and cons. Therefore, choosing the right surface and budget is important.
Your kid’s smiles on their faces are our commitment. Through our innovative playgrounds, we bring joy and happiness to your children’s life. We are team visionaries committed to shaping the world playground from imagination to reality.
We welcome you to Saltire Playgrounds.
For more information contact us.
