Playground Safety Surfaces
Soft fall surfaces in playground areas are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of children. These surfaces, typically made from materials like mulch, synthetic turf, or rubber, provide a cushioned landing that significantly reduces the risk of injuries from falls. As children engage in active play, running, climbing, and jumping, the likelihood of accidental trips or falls increases.
A soft fall surface absorbs the impact, preventing serious injuries. Moreover, these surfaces are often designed to be accessible for children with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and equal play opportunities. By prioritizing the installation of soft fall materials, playgrounds become safer environments where children can explore, develop physical skills, and enjoy their playtime with reduced risk.
Durability & Safety
Soft fall solutions must adhere to Australian safety regulations and standards, ensuring a safe and fun [play space for all users. To better understand the surfacing safety standards, refer to https://store.standards.org.au/product/as-4685-1-2021
There are several different types of soft fall options which adhere to these standards.
Explore Softfall Options
Sand & Certified Mulch
Sand and certified mulch are cost-effective soft fall options for playgrounds, offering a cheaper alternative to more permanent finishes like turf and rubber. These materials provide essential cushioning to reduce injury risks from falls.
However, they require regular maintenance to maintain the specified depth necessary for safety. Additionally, proper edging is essential to contain the sand and mulch within the play area, preventing them from spreading and ensuring a consistent protective surface. Despite the need for ongoing upkeep, sand and mulch remain popular choices due to their affordability and effectiveness.
Synthetic Turf
Synthetic turf is a popular soft fall option for playgrounds, combining low maintenance and durability with a natural appearance. The turf is installed over a compacted crusher base and shock pad underlay to comply with the playgrounds free height of fall.
The foam shock pads add cushioning, significantly reducing the risk of injury from falls. Unlike sand and mulch soft fall, synthetic turf is the perfect solution for all abilities, allowing all playground users easy access through the area. Its realistic look and feel, coupled with enhanced safety features and accessibility, make synthetic turf an attractive choice for modern playgrounds.
Fall Height of Equipment
Each piece of play equipment has its own critical fall height (CFH). The CFH is the greatest distance between a part of the equipment to which a child has reasonably foreseeable access and the playing surface or part of the equipment beneath. It is measure from the upper standing surface to the surface below upon which a child might fall. This CFH determines the depth or thickness of the soft fall you are required to install.
AS4685 standards require loose-fill surfacing like mulch to be installed at a minimum depth of 300mm and maintained at no less than 200mm
Design & Aesthetics
When selecting soft fall for your playground, it is important to consider the overall aesthetic of the space, as the desired look will be influenced by the surface you choose. Mulch and sand provide an earthy, natural appearance that can blend seamlessly with green spaces and wooden play structures.
In contrast, rubber surfaces offer a wide array of colors and patterns, allowing for vibrant, eye-catching designs that add a "wow" factor to the playground. By carefully choosing a surface that aligns with your aesthetic vision, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing play area that enhances the overall environment.
User Accessibility
When selecting soft fall for your playground, you may need to choose materials that accommodate all abilities. If your budget doesn't allow for entirely synthetic turf or rubber, consider a combination of rubber and loose fill materials. This approach allows you to create accessible pathways and entry points for those with disabilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the playground.
Rubber pathways can provide smooth, stable surfaces for wheelchairs and mobility aids, while loose fill materials can be used in other areas to maintain cost-effectiveness. By thoughtfully integrating these options, you can create an inclusive and accessible play space for all children.
Budget
Considering your overall budget for a playground project is crucial, particularly when deciding how much to allocate to soft fall. Certified mulch is the most cost-effective solution, providing essential safety at a lower price point, while wet pour rubber represents the premium option with its durability and aesthetic versatility.
Additionally, it's important to factor in potential site preparation costs for installing these soft fall options, as these can significantly contribute to the overall expense. By carefully balancing your budget and evaluating the costs associated with both the materials and site preparation, you can make informed decisions that ensure a safe and enjoyable playground within your financial constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
This would be certified playground mulch. It is also an easy DIY option. However the ongoing maintenance of this soft fall should be taken into consideration for ongoing costs.
Soft fall surfacing is required to meet Australian Standards AS 4685.1:2021 Playground Surfacing For Playground Safety. The level and type of soft fall you require will be determined by the play equipment you choose for your area.
Soft fall surfacing need only be installed to the required Safe Zone of the play equipment.
Synthetic grass is a low maintenance solution. It is recommended to do some general housekeeping like washing off spills and sweeping foreign objects like leaves and dirt. To prolong the life of your synthetic turf it is also recommended to cross brush the grass and infill with sand.
Yes, poured rubber is similar to artificial turf in that it allows water to filter through to the ground. Each site should be assessed for drainage requirements.
