Sand and other loose fill materials can be used as a play surface.
The safest playground surfaces are often made of shock-absorbing materials and are regularly inspected and maintained. Loose fill materials such as shredded rubber, sand, or wood fiber or chips are some of the safest. Surfaces made with recycled rubber and PVC materials, such as shredded tires, provide adequate cushioning and are also considered eco-friendly.
Wood chips are a popular choice for play surfaces.
Other play surfaces that absorb shock and are therefore classified as acceptable include rubber mats or fine or medium gravel of suitable depth. Materials not recommended include concrete, asphalt, grass, or dirt. The problem with grass or dirt is that it hardens and compacts over time.
Loose fill materials must be kept deep enough and should not be installed on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. The depth varies depending on the material and the height of the equipment. One advantage of loose mulch is that it is relatively inexpensive and easy to find.
Having a suitable playing surface helps to minimize the risk of injury.
Most loose materials tend to compress over time, and hazardous materials such as glass or nails are also not easy to locate. They require frequent maintenance and replacement, except in the case of recycled rubber mulch. Gravel and sand are also acceptable loose fill materials.
Sand does not decompose and does not generally get moldy, but it does get dirty and is affected by moisture and rain. Gravel does not attract animals or insects, but it is difficult to walk on and is also affected by the weather. May cause a fall hazard when moved to another surface.
Old tires can be used to make a green playground surface.
Other playground surface options include rubber mats, rubber tiles, or cast-in-place surfaces. Although initially more expensive than loose-fill surfaces, they require little maintenance. These surfaces are wheelchair friendly and do not attract mold, mildew, animals or insects. They also do not require containment and therefore displacement is not a problem.
Asphalt should not be used on playgrounds.
Surface maintenance is extremely important. It is imperative that custodians check for raised portions of the carpet, because a hard surface underneath could be exposed. If bark or other loose material spills out of the area under the equipment, the concrete foundation of the equipment could cause further injury. Surfaces should be regularly cleaned of any foreign objects such as broken glass or other sharp items.
Playground equipment, such as a seesaw, requires a reasonably soft ground surface, such as sand.
In the US, both the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society for Testing and Materials issue guidelines for playground safety, including information on playground surfaces. Even home playgrounds need a suitable surface. The most common playground injuries include broken arms or hands and cuts or bruises to the head and face.