How to Design a Playground Surface
Playground injuries are a serious risk for communities and other places that have them. Nothing is risk free and adult supervision should not be underestimated. There are ways to design a playground with safer surface areas to lessen the chance of serious injuries. Some communities may require them. Research the available options such as wood chips, artificial turf and grass that can be padded, rubber foam cushioning and other various features. Design your playground safely.
- Research the codes and requirements for your community regarding playground surface requirements. There may be regulations to allow for wheelchair accessibility for instance.
- Assess the playground as it is designed now. Note any injury prone areas.
- Note the level of water drainage. This is a crucial factor as natural grass and mud become very slippery when water pools.
- Make a diagram of the playground structures and get accurate measurements. There are depth requirements for playground surfaces that depend on the height of the equipment.
- Research the available surfaces for playgrounds on the market. Take notice of the pros and cons of each type of ground cover.
- Compare prices for the different styles and figure out a reasonable budget. It is possible to use different types of surface material for different areas of the playground. Some equipment will require more depth to avoid injuries in case of a fall. Other areas of the playground may have equipment that is closer to the ground.
- Decide how you will keep your surface material in place once you have it. Often playgrounds will enclose climbing sets with logs that help to keep the ground cover in the play area.
- Remember to factor in installation and maintenance into your playground surface design. Ask whether these materials come with any special care instructions.
- Check how long the surface is expected to last. This could make a big difference when thinking of future costs.
- Inquire about warranties and time guarantees. These will often vary greatly with companies and surface area material.