Individuals who are restoring or designing new playgrounds need to look closely at their options when it comes to playground flooring. One of the most popular choices is artificial grass. While there are other types of materials that work just as well, artificial turf offers a natural look and feel that many parents feel are much better suited for playground activities. Often times under play structures, an extra layer of playground padding can be added to ensure fall height protection.
Choosing the Material
When deciding on playground flooring, there are several options to choose from. The three most popular are pea gravel, chunked rubber filling and artificial or synthetic grass. All three are extremely durable and long lasting and will serve the purpose well. Out of the three, the artificial grass is the ground cover option with the most advantages and fewest drawbacks. When considering the overall cost, the initial expenditure is divided up over the years it will remain in place and the amount of money saved on maintenance and care. With those numbers as factors, it is the most cost efficient choice available.
Pea gravel is another alternative but rather expensive considering the fact that it is often carried away or scattered as time passes. Crumb rubber filling is often used underneath artificial turf as a cushion. When used as the primary ground cover, however, it is considered rather course and rough. It's this texture that makes it not so appealing. Children who fall on this material often end up with scrapes and abrasions due to the stiff, unyielding nature of the rubber.
Doesn't Show Wear and Tear
Installing artificial turf as playground ground cover is a wise choice. However, be advised that areas in and around specific pieces of equipment can become flattened and worn with constant use. The trade off is simple, slides and swings are two pieces of equipment that can be extremely hard on the ground underneath them. As a result with natural grass, high levels of concentrated foot traffic means dips in the soil as well as bare spots where grass cannot get established due to constant use.
Playground flooring must be able to withstand constant foot traffic, excessive amounts of sunlight and be able to remain healthy looking without the use of toxic or dangerous chemicals. Artificial turf provides those things without requiring the constant care of natural grass. There is no need to mow, water or trim and the grass looks fresh and green throughout the year. Artificial turf also maintains its look without the benefit of constant, direct sunlight. Many playgrounds are positioned so there is ample shade to protect the children from overexposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. Artificial turf does not require sunlight so it retains its natural look no matter what time of year or how much sun it gets each day.
Non-abrasive to Clothing or Skin
Unlike chunk rubber or pea gravel, artificial turf is not abrasive and does not stain clothes or skin. Artificial turf can be purchased in a variety of textures and blade heights. This allows it to provide the look and feel of natural grass without all of the time and money spent to maintain it.
When children play, they often fall or slide on the ground. Because it feels like natural grass, it does not scratch, tear or irritate skin. The blades are soft enough that they do not cause abrasions or leave marks on the skin. When a fall occurs on pea gravel or chunk rubber ground cover, not only can bruising be seen but also scrapes and abrasions that are produced from the rough edges of the material. Learn more about playground fall protection.
