There’s much more to playground surfacing than meets the eye. In fact, most people never even notice or think about what’s underneath a neighborhood, school play structure, or playground. For decades, property owners and municipalities have used substances like sand, gravel, and various types of wood chips.
Nowadays, there are solutions that make a lot more sense, like rubber surfacing, which comes with dozens of unique benefits. Rubber surfacing is not only a wise investment but also much safer and longer-lasting than the alternatives. Here are five of the most popular reasons you should install rubber surfacing underneath a play structure:
1. ADA Compliance
Nearly all rubber surfaces are 100% ADA-compliant. Kids with mobility or accessibility challenges can enjoy it to the fullest. For example, rubber is an ideal surface for wheelchairs. That promotes an environment in which all kids can have fun on the playground in a comfortable and safe way. Rubber surfacing is welcoming for users of all ages and abilities.
2. Longevity
The well-known longevity of rubber surfaces is one of the many reasons the substance is so popular among individual and corporate consumers. The surfaces are typically made of recycled materials, like used tires. But rubber, as a substance, is amazingly long-lasting. For property owners, that translates into fewer replacements and less maintenance. Plus, rubber surfacing comes in a huge variety of designs and colors, so it’s easy to customize the look of a play area.
3. All-Weather Capability
Even when it’s wet, a rubber surface offers excellent traction. That’s just one of the ways the substance makes playgrounds safer places for users of all ages and abilities. Plus, rubber does its job well in all types of weather conditions.
Grass and sand, for example, can become densely packed or slippery, depending on the climate. Safe and functional rubber playgrounds perform well year-round, and there are fewer “Closed Due to Weather” signs on the gates. In rain, sun, or wind, kids can get the most out of rubber-surfaced play surfaces.
4. Minimal Maintenance
Rubber is incredibly durable, unlike common playground alternatives sand and wood chips. The latter can erode, scatter, or need frequent replacement. Rubber, on the other hand, is extremely resistant to long-term wear and tear. It’s also waterproof, which bodes well for play areas located in places where heavy sun exposure, snow, hail, and rain are common.
Even under inclement, harsh climatic conditions, rubber surfacing holds its structural integrity. That means minimal upkeep and maintenance. Plus, rubber is highly resistant to pests, mildew, and mold. They offer an exceptionally clean space where children can play without fear or worry.
5. Safety
Obviously, the choice of rubber surfacing is a no-brainer. In addition to durability, safety, and minimal maintenance, there are other advantages. For one thing, rubber has a unique ability to absorb physical shock, which translates directly to fewer injuries.
In short, rubber’s all-weather characteristics and need for little maintenance make it a smart choice for all kinds of play areas and structures. Rubber surfacing is eco-friendly, cost-efficient, safe, and practical. That’s why installing it is the prudent way to turn any play zone into a fun and durable space for users of all ages.
