Design of Outdoor playground- Nature Series

Turf

• While actual grass is one option, many playgrounds today feature a green turflike surface. This surface is actually synthetic and consists of polyurethane, rubber and other products. Primarily used for outdoor playgrounds, the porous surface allows water to drain and provides a cushion for children to reduce the incidence of injury. The surface also keeps children from becoming soiled with dirt. Most turf surfaces are rolled over a poured base surface. The turf is applied in much the same way that in-home carpeting is installed.

Rubber Mulch

• A popular playground surface today is mulch composed of granulated tire rubber. The rubber provides a cushion that also allows water to pass through. Additionally, the rubber mulch is inexpensive and helps the environment because it is composed of recycled rubber tires, which might otherwise be tossed into a landfill. One consideration with this mulch is that it might include some of the wire that is encased within rubber tires. One company, PermaLife, claims it removes 100 percent of the wire from the tire rubber before it is poured for playgrounds. The mulch can be raked for equal distribution. One downside is that it is difficult to maintain; trash and glass can become mixed with the mulch.