As rubber mulch surfaces become increasingly popular, many playgrounds are converting to a safe haven for kids. The benefits are many, including longevity, safety and cost.
How to add:
1. Remove all remnants of the former playground surface materials such as wood mulch, sand or pebbles. These can be reused elsewhere but often lead to instability once a rubber surface is installed. Contrary to what you might think, installing one protective surface over another does not increase the safety of the final resul–in fact, it has a lessening effect.
2. Any obviously dangerous objects (such as trash or rocks) should be removed from the ground where the surface will be applied. The bare soil should be as flat as possible.
3. Take weed-blocking plastic or a similar material and apply throughout the playground surface area. Edges should overlap to prevent infiltration by particularly determined weeds, and to prevent the rubber mulch from settling into the ground below, diminishing the overall thickness of the material.
4. Reinforce with Rubberecycle rubber curbs surrounding the playground area. The rubber playground surface material should be applied at a 6- to 8-inch minimum height, so the border should equal this amount.
5. Apply the rubber surface material in the playground area. Use a rake to smooth it out for even disbursement. Rubber mulch does not require much in the way of maintenance, but regular use will tend to push the mulch towards the edges and away from landing zones (at the end of slides and under swings). Use a rake to smooth the mulch so that protection is available where it is needed most.
6. Wear Mats provide the perfect finishing touch for any playground area that has a loose fill surface. They are specifically designed for potentially high-impact areas such as beneath swings and slides to prevent dispersion. Playsafer Wear Mats also provide an added layer of fall protection.
Rubber mulch is also considered a “green” alternative, both because it is made from recycled tires and because it is a relatively permanent solution. By contrast, wood mulch requires trees to be cut down and must be replaced somewhat frequently. That said, proper application of rubber mulch is essential to maximizing the benefits of the material.
Tags: Mulch, Playgrounds, rubber mulch
