Considerations When Choosing Appropriate Playground Surfaces

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Considerations When Choosing Appropriate
Playground Surfaces
If youre tasked with planning one or more
playground surfaces for a childrens play area
for which you have responsibility, you may not
know where to start. Heres a brief introduction
to aspects youll need to consider.
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Considerations When Choosing Appropriate
Playground Surfaces
One term youll see routinely when choosing
playground surfaces is critical fall height. This
measurement determines the impact attenuation, or
thickness, of the surface that must be laid below
it. If critical fall height is a consideration
then its likely youll need to consider wet pour
or rubber surfacing. Equally, will your
playground routinely be attended by wheelchair or
pushchair users? Then wet pour playground
flooring is ideal.
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Considerations When Choosing Appropriate
Playground Surfaces
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Considerations When Choosing Appropriate
Playground Surfaces
While artificial grass isnt quite as impact
absorbent as other alternatives, it still makes a
safer addition than either real grass or
concrete. It remains in a good state of repair,
unlike real grass which can become slippery in
wet weather. Finally, the third option is rubber
mulch. Its visually appealing and needs little
in the way of maintenance.
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Considerations When Choosing Appropriate
Playground Surfaces
Dont think that you are limited to just one type
of material in your play area, though. Good
surfacing contractors can draw up designs with
different playground surfaces being used in
different areas according to usage.