Project of Outdoor Playground Equipment (2)

Rubber Tile

• Rubber tile specifically designed for playgrounds is another option. Like rubber mulch, this tile also is manufactured from used tires, but the rubber is formed into square tiles. Some tiles cover about 4 square feet of playground and provide shock resistance to protect children from hard falls. The tiles come in many different colors and different thicknesses. The most common thickness is between 2 and 3 inches. The tiles can be glued in place with a special bonding agent, and they can be joined together with metal clips. Rubber tile can be applied over concrete, dirt or grass. Unlike mulch, rubber tile is easy to clean; it can be swept or mopped.

Mulch and Sand

• Sand and wood mulch are alternatives to synthetic playground flooring. Both allow water to drain, and both provide some cushion for children. Sand, though, washes away, and wood mulch decomposes. Mulch comes in many different colors, due to dye added to the mulch. The dye eventually washes away.