LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/107181
playground Trends in Playground Surfacing Left New surfacing products and methods are lasting longer, making playgrounds safer and reducing their impact on the environment. Burke Turf™ uses recyclable polyethylene fibers and a thatch layer to simulate natural grass, with a soft, anti-microbial infill pad beneath the surface for drainage. The pad also provides shock absorption for falls, the most common cause of serious playground injuries. Right Compliance with federal, state and local regulations is a top concern for playground designers and installers. Zeager Bros.' WoodCarpet Mats® (inset) are installed on top of engineered wood fiber to keep play areas flat and level for accessibility and ADA compliance, and prevent holes and puddles in high use areas. By Tom Norquist, IPEMA Marketing Committee Chair Playgrounds today are built not only to ignite kids' passion to play, but also to protect, incorporating safety practices and meeting regulations to minimize risk. About three-quarters of the injuries that occur on public playgrounds involve falls, primarily to the surface below the equipment. The most effective way to reduce such accidents is with correctly installed and well-maintained playground surfacing. Manufacturers and designers of playground equipment and play surfacing are working hard to incorporate the latest trends and techniques that will improve outdoor play experiences for children. Trend #1: ADA Compliance Among the most important trends in surfacing in the past 30 years are the regulations and compliance required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to improve playground accessibility. As of March 15, 2012, play areas designed, constructed, and altered for children ages two and above in parks, schools, childcare facilities and shopping centers are expected to comply with Sections 240 and 1008 of the U.S. Department of Justice 2010 Standards for Accessible Design. One 24 Landscape Architect and Specifier News of the specified regulations requires that accessible ground surfaces be included. Trend #2: Longevity Since the costs of installing surfacing are typically high, many owner/operators are looking to surfacing companies for expertise to help them revitalize existing surfaces. Surfacing manufacturers are focusing more on proper installation and maintenance practices as a way to get additional life out of surfacing materials. Specifying a maintenance program for pouredin-place playground surfacing can help customers extend the life of their surface by up to 60 percent. Programs like Robbie Maintenance by Tot Turf provide options for ongoing maintenance, including roll coating, repair and wear course replacement, and can help ensure the longevity of a playground investment. Trend #3: Keep Fill Accessible Manufacturers are improving the accessibility of play surfacing to keep play areas fresh and functional. Since many communities and schools use loose fill for their playgrounds, schools and municipalities expecting additional expansions (Continued on page 26)