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Playground Safety Surfaces Pros and Cons

Decades ago, playground surfaces in parks and elementary schools were paved with asphalt and concrete. If a child fell while playing on these surfaces, it could result in minor injuries such as a skinned knee and more major problems such as a head injury. New playground safety surfaces have emerged since that time to prevent injuries, though they are not without their potential drawbacks.

  1. Synthetic Carpet or Padding

    • This type of surface may have different names depending on the company, but it is essentially a roll-out carpet of padding that can be placed underneath a high traffic area. The surface is consistent in its ability to absorb shocks, and it does not move while children play on it. The product cannot be swallowed by children because it is one large piece, and it is easy to clean and maintain. The problems with the carpet include the cost depending on the size. Over the years, the surface may lose some of its absorbency. The surface must have a drainable layer below or it will stay wet during rainfall. Children also could get friction burns from the product.

    Rubber Mulch

    • Rubber mulch is a product that looks like the small wood pieces of mulch, but they are made of rubber. The product does not cost much to install, and it is less subject to compaction than other safety products over time. To increase shock absorbency, simply add more rubber mulch. The mulch does, however, require regular maintenance, get dirty over time and can be displaced by children’s play. The rubber mulch may harbor foreign objects, it can be thrown or swallowed by children and it can be tracked indoors after playtime. Rubber mulch also is flammable and not easily accessed by the disabled.

    Wood Chips

    • There are two different kinds of wood chips that can be used for playground safety surfacing--regular wood chips and specially engineered wood fiber. The engineered wood fiber is designed for use as playground safety surface. These types of wood are inexpensive to install, they drain well and they stay cool on hot days. More wood chips can always be added to increase absorbency. Wood chips have the drawbacks of combining with dirt over time and may be used by cats and dogs for defecation. Wood chips support microbial growth and can be swallowed or thrown by children. Like rubber mulch, wood chips are not easily accessed by the disabled and are flammable.

    Sand

    • Sand is another playground surface that can be used, and it costs little to install and drains well. The depth of sand can be increased if necessary, and it is nonflammable. Sand requires frequent maintenance and may combine with dirt over time. Foreign objects can be harbored inside the sand, and it may be used by dogs and cats for defecation. Children may swallow sand and they can lose footing on it. Sand lacks absorbency when it is saturated with water.

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