The surface of your Playground Resurfacing is an important safety component that can impact everything from how a child falls, to how often it needs maintenance. Learn about the different options available to create a safe and durable surface that will keep kids and adults happy all year long.
Loose-fill surfaces can shift and erode, especially under high-traffic areas or where impacts happen frequently. This can lead to tripping hazards, and surfacing that is thinner or missing in places where children are likely to fall. Erosion can also create pits and grooves that can cause injuries, including cuts and sprains.
From Gravel to Glory: Transforming Your Playground with Resurfacing
Unitary surfacing, like engineered wood fiber and rubber tiles, require regular maintenance and inspections to keep them safe. Typically, you’ll need to sweep, rinse and blow debris from these surfaces to prevent bacteria growth and insect infestation. While these surfaces do offer good shock absorption, they’re less flexible than loose-fill options.
Poured-in-place rubber (PIP) is an ideal option because it can be designed for the shape of your playground, reducing trip-and-fall hazards. It can also be shaped to accommodate specific pieces of equipment.
PIP is expensive, however, and requires professional installation. It is also only a good choice in warm climates, as freezing temperatures can stiffen the material and reduce its impact attenuation capabilities. Asphalt and concrete pavement are expensive, too, and require site prep that includes demolition, excavation and grading for drainage. They also need to be resurfaced frequently to maintain their traction and durability.