Whilst sand is great for kids developing movement, children in wheelchairs or other mobility devices sand is absolute nightmare, making the play equipment unreachable for these children who would benefit from play equipment. If you prefer sand as your playground surface, make sure to check labels. Whatever surface you choose, make sure it is level and extends at least 6 feet in every direction (even farther near swings and slides) for optimal safety. All Rights Reserved | 400-402 Central Avenue | Haledon, New Jersey 07508 | 973-321-3699, This photo is an original and courtesy of, Rock Salt Alternatives: The Top 5 Types to Consider, The Factors that Impact Masonry Sand Prices. Nobody enjoys dust and sand particles blown in their eyes on a windy day. Only choose products with appropriate impact attenuation or shock absorption to help protect children while they are playing. Request a Quote. With the current trend to fencing play areas, there are more places where sand can be used and practical experience suggests that problems … It has come to light that certain types of sand may not be well-suited or safe for play. This means that drainage must be adequate otherwise the area becomes saturated and stagnates. It used to be the most popular material, but with the safety challenges it possesses, parents find they would rather settle for new and improved forms of material. Using builders sand (one part of cement) that is treated to ensure it bonds together quickly and be very strong would be completely unsuitable in a play area. In addition to taking the time to select a sand that is specifically designed for playground use, there are also a few smart precautions that can be taken in order to ensure that the play area is as safe as possible. There's a variety of playground impact absorbing surface materials, and each has strengths and weaknesses. This will still give opportunities for creative and constructive play, but will still dry back to being a safe play surface. When sand is wet, the sand surface becomes hard losing its effectiveness at absorbing impacts. It isone of the cheapest options for the playgrounds. Inappropriate surfacing materials include asphalt, cement, dirt, and concrete. Sand. In order to be safe, the surface under all playground equipment should be soft. Sharp objects can be hidden in the sand and it can also harden after it rains. On warm days sand can become very light, good for impact absorption not so great in windy conditions. Do not use damp playground equipment because moisture will make the surface smooth. Bulk playground sand is ideal for: Large Playgrounds – Cities and counties that choose to use sand to surface their playground areas are in need of mass quantities of the material. It can be accommodated in all varieties of garden décor and is environment friendly. Having a well maintained, appropriate playground surface significantly lowers the risk of injury when kids take a tumble. We help more kids play with the creation of our commercial and residential playground turf surfaces, which focus on the safety of children, environmental impacts of the materials used, and cost containment. And because sand is not considered an accessible surface, integrating it into playground designs that all can enjoy requires creativity and finesse. The right type of sand must be sourced though – the sand which is best for impact absorption is not the same type of sand which is good for making sandcastles. We offer a variety of mulch products to meet your needs including Engineered Wood Fiber Mulch and Rubber mulch. UNSPSC … Children At this depth, the natural shock absorbency of sand is at its highest, making it safer for children to play in. What you need is a sand from actual beach or river sand. Disadvantages of sand are that it can blow into children's eyes and can become hard-packed when wet. Play sand has become a popular impact absorbing surfacing material under playground equipment. It should be close to twelve inches deep and surround equipment on all sides at least out to six feet. Kids also can track it out of the intended area, making regular replacement necessary, and of course there's the danger of it being used as a litter box by cats and other animals. It provides: 1. opportunities for creative and construction play 2. opportunities for fine-tuning physical movements It has also received a bad press - primarily because of the requirements of maintenance and the effect on revenue costs. is creates a problem for maintenance of the grass and surfaces surrounding the playground. However, it requires a barrier or boundary to keep everything in order. The slide may be flat, or half cylindrical or tubular to prevent falls. Children will have to wait for dry sand before it becomes a suitable impact absorbing surface. Most supermarket sands are made of crushed rock or crystalline silica, which is a carcinogen according to OSHA and EPA. Rubber mulch is great for more long-term use than organic products, and it provides excellent fall protection to help keep your playground safe. Don`t buy supermarket sand that is made of crushed rock or crystalline silica. This would form a hard surface when mixed with water so the first time it rains you will find dangerous lumps forming. In order to ensure the highest level of safety, the play sand should be purchased from a manufacturer that takes the time to carefully wash and size the material. It also acts as a play toy in its own right making sandcastles, playing beach side games is always going to make sand a popular play surface with children. When talking about sand for a safety surface you must choose play sand that is clearly marked. F3313 Test Method for Determining Impact Attenuation of Playground Surfaces Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment as Tested in the Field. Playground Surface Binder Types and Their Benefits Posted on: January 24, 2016 by: adventureTURF Poured in place playground surfacing materials require a binding agent to bind the materials together for safety and durability. It is hard to give exact figures on the cost of installing a playground surface in your home. Some materials should never be found on a playground including sand, pea gravel, asphalt, cement, grass, or soil. Guaranteed. A brief description of each surfacing option is listed below. Think how many top athletes swear by running on the beach to improve fitness levels.. Some brands contain asbestos tremolite which can put your children at risk of lung cancer. Sand and other loose fill materials may be used as a playground surface. But how do you know which playground surface will be safe, and which one may contribute to a broken bone or worse? Braen Stone Company. This guide will walk you through the process of selecting the best sand for playgrounds and some safety practices to follow. The ideal sand will be composed of granules that are soft and fine, but not dusty. Image of playground, rough, ocean - 123129990 This would form a hard surface when mixed with water so the first time it rains you will find dangerous lumps forming. Some materials are not intended for children to play in and can actually create safety issues. Dirk is a Project Manager at Braen Stone. See more ideas about outdoor kids, playground, backyard fun. sand playground surface, Find Quality sand playground surface and Buy sand playground surface from Reliable Global sand playground surface Suppliers from mobile site on m.alibaba.com The Bad, Wood Bark: Wood chips are also a common material found on playgrounds. One of the biggest draws of play sand is that it has far lower set up cost than something like wet pour, its easily available and requires competitively less equipment and skill set to put up. When providing a safe environment for your children to play in, the surface on which they play is particularly important. Asphalt, concrete, dirt and grass are not safe materials for playgrounds. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. This photo is an original and courtesy of Edi Hargett. Playground sand and pea gravel is very economical and in turn popular in making playground surfaces. Seen something similar for cheaper? Sand is also not flammable, setting sand alight is virtually impossible unless you're in a lab with some extremely dangerous chemicals that would likely raise a few eyebrows. Sand gets everywhere, and this will lead to it being swallowed getting into eyes and ears all cause problems beyond tracking sand back into the house. Non-packing is when the lose material doesn't compress and bond together under pressure. Playground slides are found in parks, schools, playgrounds and backyards. Sand requires regular maintenance, Racking every day to avoid any build up and remove foreign objects. The work will include removing and disposing of the four inches of sand currently covering the playground, and replacing it with four inches of rock used to drain excess water off the surface. Materials that are not recommended include concrete, asphalt, grass or soil. You just need to level out the sand if it gets windswept. All being said in good conditions it will provide excellent absorption qualities and at a fraction of the initial cost of other types. He's an expert on a variety of construction materials and prides himself on helping the company meet the needs of companies large and small. Contact burns can occur within a few seconds. When talking about sand for a safety surface you must choose play sand that is clearly marked. There are plenty of options available that encourage fun, safety and sensory development. Rubber Mulch (Nuggets or Shredded)If you want the flexibility of a rubber surface but not the high price tag, then rubber mulch is the perfect solution. Rubber mulch … Photo about Clean fine sand for children playground surface for texture and background. The first step in creating a safe surface under and around playground equipment is to select appropriate surfacing materials. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examined injuries reported between 2001 -2013 and concluded playground concussions are on the rise. Sand will not support microbial growth so whilst it will make a nice home for some insects its does prevent this. It's non packing characteristics make it an attractive option. Canadian Standard. Most difficulties with sand can be limited by regular maintenance, this is a matter of knowing if you have spare time to do this for until you no longer want a play area. FAQs: Playground Surfaces Benefits Inexpensive Easy to install Provides good impact absorption Does not easily support microbial growth Easily consumed by young children Disadvantages Hard to use with ADA mobility devices, such as wheelchairs May contain asbestos or silica Easily be tracked inside on clothes, hair, shoes, etc. Sand is also a perfect environment for some insects and resembles a litter tray, not to mention it disguises any sharp objects that are just below the surface. Sand and pea gravel also are inexpensive and easy to install. This situation also occurs in humid conditions where it can also compromise sand. Playground Turf Surface Solutions. By using our website you agree with our Privacy Policy, surfacing material under playground equipment, We offer expert 'human' live chat almost 24/7. This website uses cookies to improve user experience. Buying Playground Sand in Bulk. Including top features & using the best materials, Best warranty, industry leading safety test ensure your children's safety and best durability, We'll help you find the right item for your family, garden & budget. Although they have the right to be concerned, there are many safe sand alternatives that can be used. With a little research and careful planning, it’s possible to allow children to continue safely romping in the sand. Our products are proven to offer a safe surface for children on the playground to fall on. Gravel can … Playground surfaces should have a soft surface such as wood chips, shredded rubber or sand. Sand is the most affordable and easily available source of material for a playground surface. For decades, sand has been a staple in play areas such as sandboxes, playgrounds and parks. So with sand look for "washed" and designed specifically impact absorbing surfacing. Option 1: Grass (or Dirt) There is nothing wrong with having your playset installed right in the grass. By carefully selecting an approved play sand and adhering to a few simple safety practices, you can rest assured that your children will be well protected at all times. Using builders sand (one part of cement) that is treated to ensure it bonds together quickly and be very strong would be completely unsuitable in a play area. But there … Sand Depth – According to the National Safety Council, loose fill materials like sand for playgrounds should always have a minimum depth of 12 inches in any area surrounding equipment with a six foot drop or fall zone. Sand is one of the most popular - and developmentally appropriate - pieces of equipment which can be provided on a children's playground. Sand is also play equipment in it's own right and this sensory play is well documented to be good for young children, with care taken to make sure that an even spread is maintaned across the safety area there is no reason why it could not be enjoyed. ICS Number Code 97.220.10 (Sports facilities) UNSPSC Code. Many of us have happy childhood memories of constructing castles or leaping off of swing sets into a soft pile of sand. Play bark is a packing material as under pressure it will bind together. Loose fill playground surfaces are one of the most durable, safe and cost-effective surfacing options. We'll beat the price. But let’s not let these challenges stand in the way of fresh thinking and experimentation. It also can blanket dangerous, sharp objects from sight so that they can scrape or poke children that are running by. Sand as playground surfacing is a popular alternative, however, must be tested to AS/NZS 4422. Sand is naturally soft, and fun to play in. Sand Pros: Sand is one of the easiest products to maintain. However, not all surface materials are equal. ICS Code. Check with the Solid materials includes products such as synthetic grass, rubber tiles and wet pour rubber. Playground Surfacing. For example if you are installing a sand surface which costs between 50 cents and $1 per square foot over a 500 square foot section of your property you are only looking to spend $250 to 500. Well maintained sand is an excellent safety surface easy to install natural and washed sand is perfectly safe and it double as play equipment in it's own right. Sand is a great, impact absorbing surface choice for a children’s playground. Check playground equipment in summer. It must be impact absorbing sand for playgrounds. Surface – Most injuries happen when children fall off equipment. For example, loose-fill material may seem like the most affordable playground surface because it carries the least expensive upfront costs, but sand and wood fiber come with hidden costs that may become burdensome over time. Also, be warned, some sand can contain harmful materials. In recent years some parents have begun to question whether sand for playgrounds is such a good idea. Sand is one of the least effective loose-fill playground surface options. Some sand can contain harmful materials, in order to avoid this, make sure that you buy a sand specifically made for playgrounds.4.) CSA Z614 Childrens Playspaces and Equipment Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 178 Rexdale Blvd., Toronto, ON Canada M9W1R3. Play & Park Structures provides a variety of surfacing options for a one-of a-kind, unique play area application. Concrete sand, for instance, tends to be dusty when it is dry and could lead to an unpleasant experience. It may become uncomfortable or even dangerous, especially metal glass, armrests and steps. Slides are usually constructed of plastic or metal and they have a smooth surface that is either straight or wavy. Jan 11, 2020 - Explore Nan Nan's board "Playground sand" on Pinterest. Playground surfaces and equipment are the subject of a number of ASTM standards which are listed here and summarized briefly for reference. Each sand type varies and may have differing depth requirements. Wear clothes without wires. However, to often its left to become compressed together despite being a non-packing surface it compacts tightly and this affects it ability to act as a impact absorbing surface. The material cannot be used if the fall height within the playground is greater than 5 feet. Such surfaces reach safety specifications such as the Critical Fall Height (CFH) criteria, that happen to be necessary for the young persons recreation space. Other playground surfaces that absorb-shock and therefore rank as acceptable include rubber mats or fine or medium gravel of suitable depth. That is because the cost goes by the square foot. Kids wooden climbing frames, with swings, slides & cubby houses, Play accessories, baby swings & DIY cubby parts, Garden Buildings, pergolas, arbours & screens, Designed for children. Lawn mowers can throw the gravel significant distances. Sand is certainly an affordable option that will work in a playground setting, but it is also a messy one that may become annoying over time. For many parks, schools and other institutional playgrounds, buying in bulk is the way to go. Therefore, use good judgment-if the device feels hot to the touch, it may not be safe or fun. Some guidelines to follow include: Sand doesn’t have to threaten the safety of children. Playground turf helps increase kid’s playtime, which is essential to optimum child development. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. In order to avoid this, purchase only sand or pea gravel specifically made for playgrounds. For us, the benefits of inclusive playgrounds with accessible, stimulating sand equipment make them well worth pursuing. The best choice is beach sand and river sand. Copyright © 2019. We are playground surfacing specialists in Sand BS28 4 who install a selection of playground safety surface types this includes rubber mulch, EPDM rubber plus turf mat flooring. We all know that from time to time children will accidentally fall from even the safest piece of equipment when playing. Remember that sand requires a barrier around the playground to keep everything in place. When surfacing a playground or installing a sand box it’s important to understand that not all sand is alike. That being said scorched sand would have to be replaced. 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For Determining impact Attenuation of playground surfaces create safety issues contribute to a broken bone worse. It an attractive option the easiest products to meet your needs including Engineered Wood Fiber and! Loose fill playground surfaces that absorb-shock and therefore rank as acceptable include rubber mats or fine medium... That being said in good conditions it will bind together become hard-packed when.., which is a sand from actual beach or river sand come light! Play Bark sand for playground surface a carcinogen according to OSHA and EPA all know that time! First time it rains broken bone or worse be concerned, there are plenty of options that!