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 (Continued from page 24) Above, Right Recycled rubber is a popular 'green' trend among manufacturers and designers seeking LEED credits. No Fault Safety Surfaces combines EPDM rubber granules and a cushion layer of shredded recycled rubber tires, bonded with a moisture-cured polyurethane adhesive and then poured-inplace on site. Above, Left Modern play surfacing and artificial turf includes features to increase durability and longevity, especially in high-use areas. Nylon-fiber grass surfacing from SynLawn is designed to reduce heat emissions with reflective pigments, resist wear with highimpact TrampleZones™ and install easily with fastener-free systems. Bottom Surfacing manufacturer FlexGround, LLC, cites clients opting to include two or more styles of safety surfacing in one project for a contrast in aesthetics and design. FlexGround recently completed an installation at Anasazi elementary school in Scottsdale, Ariz., which incorporated a FlexGrass synthetic turf and an Enduraflex thermoplastic vulcanized rubber surface. 26 Landscape Architect and Specifier News after an initial installation often buy and store extra surfacing, including loose fill and replacement safety tiles. Trend #4: Interactive/Game-Based Surfacing Many manufacturers are now designing surfacing to be an active part of the play experience. Incorporating design elements like trees, flowers, water and other graphics allow children to create games using the surfacing. For example, GameTime® added a tree graphic into their GT Impax® surfacing, inspiring hopping and jumping games as kids try to move from leaf to leaf without landing on other pieces of the surfacing. Trend #5: Sustainable & Natural Appearance Many designers have incorporated sustainability and natural appearances into their surfacing materials. Manufacturers like No Fault Safety Surfacing, Burke Turf and others use recycled rubber – most often from used tires – to reduce the environmental footprint of an installation. Using recycled materials can also help projects earn LEED credits. The International Play Equipment Manufacturing Association (IPEMA) provides third party product certification services for U.S. and Canadian public play equipment, and public play surfacing materials in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.ipema.org.