Playground safety is about so much more than just how equipment is designed. A safe playground starts with a strong foundation, namely impact-absorbing safety surfacing. A quality playground surfacing is vital to prevent and reduce playground injuries and keep children safe while running, climbing, and exploring the play area. It’s easy to limit the risk of injuries when you choose evidence-based, standard-compliant surfacing. We’re here to help find the right solution for you with the top safety ratings. Read on to learn about safe foundation choices and how to make the best decision for your playground.
Why Playground Surfacing Matters
Playground surfacing is vitally important to children’s safety for a number of reasons. Primarily, surfacing significantly reduces injuries from falls by absorbing impact. Surfacing creates a cushion. Materials like wood fiber mulch and rubber compress upon impact, reducing the force of the fall that is transmitted into the child’s body. This reduction in impact severity can turn something like a serious fracture into a minor scrape. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) each have standards for surfacing that focus on safety, impact attenuation, and accessibility.
Types of Safety Surfacing Options
There are lots of surfaces to choose from. Budget-friendly options include wood chips and rubber mulch, while more expensive options include poured-in-place rubber and rubber tiles:
- Poured-in-Place Rubber: Durable, low-maintenance, and great for accessibility. PIP has the highest safety ratings, with a fall height of 16 feet. It’s also fully customizable.
- Rubber Mulch: Made of 100% recycled tire rubber, it’s one of the safest and most cost-effective surfaces. It won’t decompose, doesn’t attract bugs, and doesn’t need as many refills as wood chips.
- Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF): Wood chips provide a natural, classic look, and they’re the most cost-effective option for surfacing. EWF does require occasional maintenance like top-offs and raking.
- Synthetic Turf: The natural look without the high maintenance and expensive upkeep of grass! Synthetic turf is easy to manage and provides a great aesthetic.
- Rubber Tiles or Mats: Modular and replaceable, rubber tiles are easy to use. They’re also ADA accessible and require no on-site mixing.
To dive in deeper and get into each type of surfacing’s pros and cons, follow the link below to our Playground Safety Surfacing 101 Guidebook.
Design + Maintenance Considerations
Like when designing playgrounds, there are certain considerations to make when choosing your surfacing. Fall surfaces must be made from shock-absorbing materials like the options listed above and must be installed with consistent depth. Regular inspections of the surfacing are important to ensure it remains compliant and effective. It’s also key to note certain compliance criteria like the Head Injury Criterion (HIC). HIC is a measurement that assesses the likelihood of a head injury from a resulting impact – the lower the number, the safer the surfacing. ADA compliance is also extremely important to consider when choosing your surfacing. If you’re looking to create an inclusive space, we always recommend PIP rubber so that park goers using mobility devices can explore the playground with ease.
Real-World Impact: Safer Spaces, Stronger Communities
Making a thoughtful surfacing choice will not only reduce and prevent injuries but reassure families and promote more time spent at the park. In fact, you can really go above and beyond with your playground’s surface to create a truly unique, accommodating environment for all. At Toms River Field of Dreams (TRFOD), we were able to create a unique core feature, the “Moon Bounce” – a mound in the center of the play area made to look like the moon. Complete with multiple PIP pathways up to a central trampoline, so all children, regardless of ability, can bounce! this would not have been possible without the accessibility that poured-in-place surfacing offers.
Choosing the right safety surfacing is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in creating a safe and welcoming play environment. With the right foundation, you’re reducing the risk of injury, giving families peace of mind, supporting inclusive access, and encouraging more confident, joyful play. If you’re ready to explore your options, we’re here to help! Schedule a free consultation with our team or check out our surfacing guide to get started.
