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Home- Swing sets
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Part 3: Using a
Play Surface for Your Own Playgrounds
The advantages of recycled rubber mulch
include the fact that this material does not need to be replaced or
restored each year; it is cleaner than most loose material surfaces; it
does not cause scrapes, scratches or splinters; it does not cause fungus
or mold; and animals and insects are not attracted to it. The
disadvantages of recycled rubber mulch include the fact that it must be
raked occasionally so that proper heights are maintained in high traffic
areas and the color of the material may fade with time.
Other playground surfaces include rubber tiles, rubber mats and
poured-in surfaces. These surfaces are generally more expensive to
purchase than the loose fill surfaces, but since they need little
maintenance, they can be cost effective over time.
The advantages of these other playground surfaces include their low
maintenance qualities including the fact that they are easy to clean;
easily accessible to wheelchairs; easy to walk on; mold and fungus do
not grow; animals and insects are not attracted to the surfaces;
hazardous debris can be easily found; and the materials remain constant
in high traffic areas.
The disadvantages of these materials include the special preparation
needed under the surface; they may need professional installation; and
some of the surfaces could be damaged by frost.
You cannot completely prevent injuries no matter which playground
surface you choose, but you will certainly improve overall safety.
Decide which surface is right for the needs of your children and your
backyard, then proceed according to the guidelines for that particular
surface.
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