Design Ideas for the Built World

View Original

How Synthetic Grass Improves Playgrounds

For many kids, the highlight of their day is spending recess on the playground or visiting their local park. However, it’s no fun being covered in scratchy mulch or falling on a hard surface. Synthetic grass for playgrounds is something both parents and kids can count on. It’s being utilized in more school, park and backyard playgrounds and for good reason. Artificial grass is doing more than just improving the aesthetics. These soft fibers are also increasing safety, lowering maintenance and bettering experiences at playgrounds.


A Prettier Playground

image © SYNLawn

These days, artificial turf looks so natural many think it’s the real deal. It provides playgrounds in any climate with a vibrant green look year-round. And beyond the color, many products even come with sustainable features like bio-based backings and materials. This versatile product can be installed around any type of playground equipment, but don’t think that green is your only option. Using colored turf like blue, red or purple is a fun way to create a colorful environment and inspire kids to take their imaginations even further.


A Safe Surface

image © SYNLawn

From concrete to pea gravel, there are many types of playground surfaces available on the market. And while kids can do a number on natural grass, hard landscapes can also do a number on kids. Because let’s face it, falls happen. Artificial grass systems offer durability and consistent protection. When turf is combined with soft padding installed underneath, it offers a safe surface solution that gives parents peace of mind and kids a safe place to land. When considering artificial grass for this type of installation, the height of the playground equipment may determine how much foam padding should be included in order to help protect a child from a fall.


Minor Maintenance

image © SYNLawn

Playground maintenance can be a tedious job depending on what type of surface is installed. Small pieces of mulch or gravel get displaced on a daily basis, so workers must constantly rake the surface to level it out. Repeatedly replacing areas that are low in content can get costly. With artificial grass, once it’s installed, there really is very little left for the maintenance to-do list. It doesn’t require water or unhealthy pesticides and fertilizers. Cleaning is simple with just a rinse from a hose, and any flattened areas can be fluffed up with a rake when needed.


An Excellent Experience

image © SYNLawn

Artificial grass is making time on the playground more inclusive because it’s more easily accessible with a wheelchair. Since it drains well, it’s also easier to transition through in a wheelchair unlike with wet grass, which leads to another issue. Kids won’t come home with their clothes full of grass stains, mud or even woodchips, which means less laundry for parents. Little ones with sensitive skin or natural grass allergies won’t have to worry about skin breakouts and eye and nose irritations.

With artificial grass, kids will get consistent safety protection and staff members will spend less time maintaining and replacing their playground surfaces. School, park and backyard playgrounds will look great for years to come.


Kristen Eichenmuller is the copywriter and social media coordinator for SYNLawn, the industry innovator on synthetic grass for landscape solutions.

Browse SYNLawn on CADdetails.com