When it comes to creating a compliant and enjoyable playground environment, one of the most crucial elements is playground surfacing. The surface beneath our children's feet can greatly impact their play experience and mitigate the risk of injury.

At GameTime, we understand the importance of choosing the right playground surfacing. That's why we've put together this guide to help you make an informed decision.

Creating a Compliant Play Space

When it comes to picking your playground surfacing, compliance with standards should be your top priority. The surface should be soft enough to cushion falls and mitigate serious injuries.

Some of the most popular options for playground surfacing include poured in place, rubber tiles, synthetic turf, bonded rubber, and loose fill surfaces.

Poured-in-place rubber is an option that provides excellent shock absorption and is also slip-resistant. Rubber tiles provide a safer and more durable surface for children to play on. Synthetic turf meets fall cushioning requirements for safety compliance and the padded underlayment adds enough padding to help protect against falls.

Enhance the Look and Style of Your Playground

While safety should be your top priority, you also want your playground design to be appealing. The right playground surfacing can add to the overall aesthetic of your play area and make it more inviting for children.

When choosing a playground surface, consider the color, texture, and pattern of the material.

Poured in place has a modern and clean look with many color options that can benefit a space with pops of color. Rubber tile is a surfacing type that can also provide a visually appealing and colorful enhancement to the overall space aesthetic. Additionally, the texture and pattern of the tiles can add a tactile element to the playground experience.

Synthetic turf surfacing can add a natural look to a playground design that stays green all year long. Loose fill surfacing types like engineered wood fiber also provides a natural look that blends well with surrounding vegetation and provides an earthy feel to the recreation space. Its natural tones and textures also add a rustic charm to outdoor play areas.

Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance is also an important factor to consider when choosing your playground surfacing. Having a surface that is easy to maintain regularly is essential for ensuring continued safety compliance and keeping your space looking great.

Some surfaces require more maintenance than others, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. Surfaces such as poured-in-place rubber may require occasional repairs, but is generally low-maintenance. Surfaces like engineered wood fiber need to be raked and topped off periodically to maintain its thickness and safety standards. Each surface type will need occasional maintenance. It is important to do research on which type will best suit the needs of your space.

Budget Considerations

Finally, budget is an important factor to consider when choosing your playground surfacing. The cost of the material and installation can vary greatly depending on the type of surface you choose. It’s important to choose a surface that fits your budget without sacrificing safety or quality.

We offer a variety of playground surfacing options to fit any budget. We also offer financing options to help make your playground dream a reality.

Build the Perfect Playground from the Ground Up

We understand the importance of choosing the right playground surfacing for your children. That's why we're here to help you every step of the way.

Our team of experts can help you assess your needs and choose the perfect surfacing for your playground. We'll also work with you to develop a budget-friendly plan that meets your requirements.

Contact us today to learn more about our playground surfacing options.