The grass in public and school playgrounds takes a constant beating from hundreds of small feet, no matter what time of year it is. Over time bare spots and valleys are created in the areas where traffic is the most chaotic. This can create tripping hazards where kids can fall or roll their ankles while playing. Most public playgrounds are managed with city funds, which means when the community is experiencing a financial shortage, the first things to suffer are the parks and playgrounds.
The installation of artificial turf in certain areas of the playground can actually help a community save money in the long run.
Less Maintenance
Synthetic grass is extremely low maintenance, when compared to natural grass. While the initial cost may seem excessive, over time, it will pay for itself several times over by saving the community on both man hours as well as maintenance costs and water. A few of the things that will no longer have to paid for are:
-
Mowing and trimming
-
Less gas and oil used to maintain lawn equipment (mowers, trimmers, weed eaters)
-
Fewer man hours paid to staff for time spent mowing and trimming around obstacles
-
Less money spent on chemicals to control weeds and insects
Once artificial turf is installed, there is little left to do to keep it looking beautiful and ever-green.
No Toxic Chemicals (Fertilizer, Weedkiller)
Most public and school playgrounds must be shut down when toxic chemicals are applied to control weeds and insects. The same holds true for fertilizer. Most companies request a shut down time of anywhere between 24 and 72 hours depending on the strength and toxicity of the chemicals. Most chemicals used to fertilize or protect the grass from weeds or pests are exceedingly potent. The labels list them as poisons that are not to be used around children. Installing synthetic grass eliminates the need for your children to be in close proximity with these chemicals.
Extra Durability
Synthetic grass lasts considerably longer than natural grass with extensive use. Natural grass located in high traffic areas can die off leaving large bare spots. It is difficult to reseed these areas due to the constant use of the playground. When left unattended, the bare spot can continue to grow until a large circle is formed and paths begin to appear. Artificial turf prevents the bare spots, paths and valleys from forming. This keeps the playground looking vibrant and fresh all year long.
No Mud/Dirt
Once bare spots form at the base of playground equipment, valleys begin to gradually appear as well. Water collects in these areas and creates large puddles of mud and muck. Installing artificial turf in these areas prevents mud from becoming a problem. Children who constantly step in mud and then play on the equipment run an increased risk of falling or becoming injured. With artificial grass, water does not collect and mud no longer becomes a problem. While the ground may be wet, there is a much less chance of a child losing his footing or sliding off of a piece of equipment because of the mud and water.
Fewer Stains on Clothes
A mother's worst nightmare is trying to get grass stains and other yard dirt out of her children's clothes. With artificial turf, you no longer have to worry about that. Children can slide, dive or roll around on artificial turf and not have to worry about staining their clothes. It's true that laundry detergents have advanced quite a bit over the last few decades, but grass stains still must be pre-treated before being washed. Without taking special precautions, slight reminders of the stain may be left behind.
With artificial turf, kids can be as tough as they want to be without harming the grass or destroying their clothes. Add that to the long-term financial benefits and it becomes a win/win situation for both parents and the local community.
