Balancing fun and safety is key when designing a playground. There are two main reasons to use playground material. The first is to learn how to use it in your own system. The second is to see what other children are using and learn from it.
Playground material can come in many textures, sizes, and fibers. These properties offer different ways to design a play space, including using soft ground for children’s feet, medium ground for playing surfaces, and strong material for structural support.
The best type of playground material for a children’s playground is one that is gentle on the skin and child’s hands. A good example of this type of material is stone or concrete with some wood or foam underneath.
The second reason to use materials on your playground is to see what others are using.
Contents:
Plastic mulch
While not a preferred mulch TYPE for playgrounds, plastic mulch can be an option. Having small pieces of plastic mulch in your playground can help reduce friction and prevent erosion.
If a playground needs more of these small pieces, it may be beneficial to add more plastic mulch. However, these pieces should not be visible to children, as they may look like toys or decorations.
They may also cause health issues for children, such as blockage or thinning of the skin. This may cause them pain when climbing or playing, which could prevent regular use.ickey-marked child safety features such as railings or one size fits all swings that can expose youngsters to this type of material.
This does not matter if the material is thin or strong enough to hold their weight because they will not be able to see it.
Straw mulch
A low cost alternative is to use straw mulch. This is a material made from the stalks of plants, that has been Aerated and dried into straw.
As the term suggests, it is used as mulch. Luckily for you, it is very easy to find it at a garden center or home decorating site. Simply place the mulch on your garden and check for new plants emerging through the mulch.
This type of mulch does not last as long as shredded concrete or shredded bark, but than again you are going to be using it for play equipment so that may not be an issue.
Wood mulch
This is one of the more expensive types of mulch. Most wood mulch is redwood, but some is plain old bark. If you are looking to save money, plain old wood can sometimes be a better option.
Redwood is one of the oldest trees around. It has been standing for thousands of years, so it knows what good wood likes and what does not like.
When it comes to playground equipment, redwood likes to stick out like a sore thumb. It can be difficult to arrange in a tree, let alone apply a hide-away liner with it.
But it is true: When not used, even redwood breaks down and goes back to being a beautiful tree! Having enough space and being on alert for signs of dying off are two things that would help with this though.
Coir mulch
Coir mulch is the most appropriate type of mulch for a playground. This Mulch is called coir mulch.
Coir mulch is a tropical plant-based molecule that can be shredded and re-organized into many different shapes and textures. It is similar to coconut, but in a different way!
With coir mulch, you can create hidden compartments or create raised areas that are easier to wash. Coir mulch is also cost effective compared to other mulches like gravel or sand.
While both mixed into and exposed to sunlight will result in the growth of moss, coir mulch does not dry as quickly as other types of Mulches. Thus, your children will be exposed to the natural system for growth more slowly.
Peanut hulls
Peanut hulls are an alternative to sawdust as a mulch. Peanut shells are made from roasted peanuts and dried before they are powdered. These shells can be used as mulch, replacing some of the needed water.
Mulching can help lower soil expenses and maintenance, which is a major draw for playgrounds. Because peanut hulls contain such little water, they must be hauled away in trucks or placed in dryers to dry before use.
This feature adds another layer of security, since children cannot easily return the shell-covered objects to gain access again. There is also research supporting the effects mulch has on children’s development.
By replacing some with appropriate materials such as bark or leaves, children will be more aware of their surroundings and how to play in the yard.
Peat moss
Peat moss is another word for sawdust. Peat is a natural volcanic ash that consists of tiny particles that stick to each other and then eat through the ground.
When it rains, peat can wash away leaving white or brown spots on the playground. This is not good! If these spots are visible, then the playground is being used!
How much your child plays determines how much mulch they need. Children who play less need less mulch than those who play more. The Mulch service in Adelaide will come out and measure how much children use and send them with enough for their needs.
Usually, children under five years old do not need as much mulch as older kids and adults. This is because it takes them awhile to recognize when it is enough Mulch!
Island-style playgrounds do not require as much mulch as US-style playgrounds. This is because Island-style playparks have more equipment on the ground instead of up high.
Clay pellets
When looking at different mulch types, there are three main categories: clay, bark and leaf. Each has its own benefits and costs.
Clay mulch can be expensive, typically around $0.10 per square inch. However, this cost may be worth it if the mulch helps conserve water and reduces runoff which could harm aquatic life.
Bark mulch is generally cheaper than clay but can cost as much as $0.20 per square inch. This is due to the higher relining costs of the bark.
Leaf mulch may cost less than either but can similarly reduce water runoff which could harm aquatic life. An example of this type of Mulch would be those that consist of tree branches or leaves stapled together to create a cover for kids toys, etc.
Recycled materials
There are several alternatives toarde materials such as cardboard, wood, and canvas. Each material has its own benefits and limitations.
The biggest challenge when choosing a mulch is knowing when to replace it. Because these materials are more environmentally friendly and/or cheaper than new concrete, there is always a small amount that must be used before adding more.
Because these materials do not require water weekly, monthly washing is necessary. Because of their durability, many playgrounds use canvas as the Mulch of choice.
Canvas is a great choice for a child’s playground because it can be changed out each year to match the season.