Playgrounds need to be safe for children to be able to have fun without the risk of injury and for their parents’ or guardians’ peace of mind. It is therefore important to have a sturdy shock-absorbing surface under playground equipment as this helps prevent playground injuries, which are often caused by falls to the surface. Choosing the surface to use on a playground in Queensland can be a daunting task as there are a lot of factors you need to consider.
Factors to Consider
A surface’s resiliency or ability to absorb shock is the most important factor to consider when choosing playground surfacing Queensland. Having a proper resilient surface will help reduce the impact when a child falls and therefore prevent any serious injuries. The cost of the materials and installation is also an important factor to consider. Your choice of playground surfacing should be within your budget and you should also get value for your money. The surface should also be durable as this will save you money on replacing the surface every so often.
When choosing a playground surface, consider how much maintenance it requires and if you will be able to dedicate the time and resources required to maintain the surface. The versatility and aesthetic appeal of the surface should also be taken into consideration. Choose a surface that has unlimited design possibilities and that enhances the beauty of your playground. Ensure that the surface has proper drainage to avoid having puddles of water on your playground whenever it rains. This will help reduce the chances of children slipping and falling while running around on the playground.
Types of Playground Surfaces
By and large, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing playground surfacing Queensland. Artificial grass turf is a very popular choice among playground administrators as it is one of the safest play surface materials available today. It is durable and enhances the beauty of the playground. It is a low-maintenance surface and is wheelchair-accessible.
Wet pour rubber (also known as softball rubber), and rubber tiles and pavers are also durable and low-maintenance surfaces. They are water-permeable and wheelchair-accessible. However, they are expensive to install and can be slippery when wet. You can also use sand, pea gravel, wood chips or engineered wood fiber on your playground.
Bottom Line
The importance of playground safety cannot be overemphasized. Do not settle for just anything—instead consider your options carefully and choose the surface that works best for you. Your choice of playground surface should be safe, durable and reliable over its useful life.