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Playground Surface Options

Choosing the right surface for a playground becomes an important component of the construction process. You want to ensure that the equipment on which your child is playing is safe and also that his landing points are equally as safe. The type of playground surface you choose is directly dependent on the type of equipment you choose for the playground; the more complex the equipment the safer the landing surface you need.

Play Sand
- Sand is one of the more common choices for playground surfacing because it is inexpensive, easily accessible and provides another point of interest for children's play. Moreover, you can get it in a number of grades and even colors to add visual appeal. A barrier of some sort is required with a sand surface to prevent it from being scattered around the vicinity during play time or rough weather. Also, sand should never be placed over concrete, and you must check the depth regularly to account for shifts in the sand over time. Shifts can reduce the sand's depth below its recommended level as a surface option. It is also important to regularly check for any extraneous items in the sand, such as broken glass or sharp toys.
Mulch
- Mulch holds several key advantages as a playground surface option, including the fact that it is much more comfortable than sand, which can get into crevices and irritate the skin. Mulch also comes in a variety of colors to make your playground visually appealing and make extraneous items stand out more. However, mulch's drawbacks include the fact that it may become crushed over time, necessitating replacement, and insects are more attracted to this environment.
Loose Gravel
- According to PTO Today, loose gravel is another playground surfacing option because it offers flexibility and "give" if kids fall during play. Benefits of this option include the fact that animals and bugs are not drawn to it and mold is not an issue with this type of surface. However, because of the numerous pieces of gravel particles, it can be challenging to walk through without shoes that have proper traction and can become slippery on rainy days.

Backyard Toys