Make The Playground Safe With Rubber Mulch

A recently revealed statistic has caused serious concern among parents. There are roughly 1,500 visits to the emergency room every day from playground injuries. Every parent is scared for their child's safety. That is why it is time that you invest in making your playground safer for children. The one thing that saves serious damage from falls is rubber mulch.

Children have boundless energy, and they work it out best in the playground. But with a group of kids running wild on the playground, falls are very likely to happen. You can take a proactive step to prevent injury from falls by landscaping your playground with rubber mulch. This is highly recommended as it is cost effective, but is also quite safe for children, and provides extra cushioning in case of falls. By using recycled rubber mulch, you can ensure child safety in parks, neighborhoods, and home playgrounds as well.

The recycled rubber mulch absorbs the shock more than any other standard surface material. Various tests have concluded that rubber mulch is superior in breaking falls as compared to traditional bark mulches. For playgrounds, rubber mulches are made from the inner tube of the tires, which make them 99.9% wire free. This means even more security and safety for kids. Moreover, it is sturdy enough to handle wear and tear up to 10-20 years. Also, any structures, benches etc. that you have on your playground, will not be harmed by termites or bugs or wood eating insects, as the rubber mulch does not harbor them. So your homes and structures are completely safe from rubber mulch.

Rubber mulches have many other benefits over plant material mulches, however, with respect to playgrounds, it has to be its elasticity. Playground rubber mulches, if they are used in a thick layer, then show off an extra springy quality. That is why the bounce effect of the mulch makes the playground much safer for children, in case they fall off from a playground equipment while playing. The mulch absorbs the worst impact of the fall, and the child is bounced back to safety. That is why rubber mulch has been certified as child safe by the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association too.

The USA’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also given its thumbs up to rubber mulches. The Agency has completely and authoritatively endorsed the use of recycled rubber mulch to cushion the surfaces of playgrounds. The Environmental Protection Agency did a further study in October 2008, and came to the conclusion, that the rubber mulch was completely nontoxic and harmless for the children as well as the environment, around them. In fact rubber mulch is non-porous and does not absorb water on its way through to the soil. It does not harbor fungus growth or plant growth. It also keeps the weeds at bay. So your playground will remain clean and healthy for the kids.

Playground rubber mulch is easy to maintain as well, as it is non-staining and quick drying. It does not freeze like wood mulch, and is bouncy and springy all the yearlong. So, make the right choice now. By opting for playground rubber mulch, you are helping the environment, by taking on a recycled product. Also, it is durable and can add much color to your playground, as it comes in multiple colors. Bright and colorful playgrounds can go a long way in simulating children. The playground rubber mulch has many positive aspects and unique qualities from which every playground can benefit. Make the safe choice for your kids now!

The writer is a playground equipment consultant with AAA State Of Play. He has done extensive study on playground safety surfacing.