The biggest safety challenge is the need to meet or exceed ASTM attenuation and fall height requirements, as well as a desire from designers to satisfy ‘all of the above’ wish-list requests for both the children’s experience and safety has led to the emergence of synthetic turf as a surface of choice. For starters, designers and planners can benefit from the decades of experience in the use of synthetic turf for athletic fields, which share some of the same characteristics as playgrounds. Synthetic turf also offers vastly improved drainage over previous materials, which enables children to play outside immediately after bad weather passes. In effect, the improved drainage and rapid recovery from weather can extend the season for outdoor play. The Emergence of Synthetic Turf A recent research study “Investigating the State of Play”1 ranked those factors deemed most important in playgrounds and that might impact playground surfaces. Not surprisingly, the cleanliness and appearance of playgrounds was rated as the most important factor. Other factors rated very important included safety along with the ‘fun factor’ that the playground offers to children and students who utilize it regularly. The results were favorable for synthetic turf which is the best choice for cleanliness, safety, regulatory compliance, and maintenance as well. Survey respondents, comprised of park officials and education administrators, further categorized safety surface options along a continuum which they considered least favorable to best overall. In that rating, synthetic turf – in particular playgroundspecific synthetic turf with foam padding for an additional level of safety – rated best overall. What are Playground Must-Haves?
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