Artificial Grass Solutions for Playgrounds, Schools & Daycares

Yes, artificial grass is generally considered safe for children to play on. High-quality synthetic turf designed for playgrounds is engineered to meet safety standards and guidelines, offering a cushioned and resilient surface that helps reduce the risk of injuries from falls. Unlike natural grass, which can become uneven and develop holes or bare patches over time, artificial grass provides a consistent and level playing surface.

Synthetic turf is often installed over shock-absorbing padding or underlayment materials, further enhancing its impact attenuation properties. With proper installation and maintenance, artificial grass can offer a safe and enjoyable play environment for children in playgrounds.

A truly safe playground surface must meet ASTM 1292 fall specifications and ASTM 1951 ADA accessibility guidelines. Synthetic turf provides the safest ground cover for playgrounds. Some turf manufacturers go beyond these requirements to incorporate antimicrobial protection and antistatic technology into their turf products. Artificial grass is durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to weather and environmental factors, making it an ideal choice for playgrounds seeking long-lasting safety and performance.

According to the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS), nearly 70 percent of all playground injuries are due to falls.  High-quality artificial turf designed specifically for playgrounds offers cushioning and impact attenuation properties that help reduce the risk of injuries from falls. Additionally, synthetic turf is often installed over shock-absorbing padding or underlayment materials to improve playground safety.

It is essential to select synthetic grass products that meet safety standards and guidelines for playground surfaces and ensure proper installation by trained professionals. With appropriate precautions and maintenance, artificial grass can provide a safe and durable ground cover for playgrounds.

The most common ground covers for playgrounds include:

• Synthetic turf
• Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF)
• Wood Chips/Mulch
• Pea Gravel
• Sand
• Poured-in-Place Rubber Surfacing

EWF and rubber mulch are popular choices due to their excellent impact attenuation properties and safety certifications. Pea gravel and sand offer natural aesthetics and drainage benefits but may require periodic replenishment and leveling. Poured-in-place rubber surfacing provides a seamless and customizable option with a variety of colors and designs available, but it tends to be more expensive than other options.

Synthetic grass provides great aesthetics, natural look, durability, excellent drainage, and impact attenuation. Each ground cover has its advantages and considerations, and the choice often depends on factors such as safety, accessibility, budget, and aesthetic preferences.

Artificial turf is considered the best ground cover for playgrounds for several reasons. Synthetic grass offers excellent impact attenuation properties, cushioning falls and reducing the risk of injuries to children during play. Additionally, artificial turf provides a consistent and level playing surface, minimizing tripping hazards and allowing for wheelchair accessibility.

Unlike natural grass, which requires ongoing maintenance such as mowing, watering, and fertilizing, synthetic turf is low-maintenance and remains green and lush year-round. Furthermore, artificial grass is durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for high-traffic playgrounds. Overall, artificial turf offers a safe, accessible, and long-lasting ground cover option for playgrounds.

Check out our guide on How to Choose the Best Artificial Grass for Playgrounds.

Playground surfaces that are best for accessibility include poured-in-place rubber surfacing and rubber tiles. These options provide a seamless and smooth surface that is wheelchair-accessible and meets ADA requirements for playground accessibility. Additionally, poured-in-place rubber surfacing offers customizable designs and colors, allowing for creative and inclusive playground environments.

Rubber tiles are durable, easy to install, and provide excellent impact attenuation properties, making them suitable for playgrounds seeking both safety and accessibility features. By choosing accessible playground surfaces, such as poured-in-place rubber or rubber tiles, playgrounds can ensure that all children, regardless of mobility limitations, can enjoy safe and inclusive play experiences.

Artificial playground turf is relatively easy to maintain compared to natural grass. Synthetic grass requires minimal upkeep, such as periodic brushing or raking to remove debris and maintain its appearance. Occasional cleaning with water and mild detergent can help remove stains and spills, keeping the surface clean and hygienic. Additionally, inspecting the turf for any damage or signs of wear and tear and addressing them promptly can prolong its lifespan and ensure continued safety for children. Overall, artificial playground turf offers a low-maintenance ground cover option that saves time and resources for playground owners and operators.

Artificial grass provides a cushioned surface that helps reduce the risk of injuries from falls, making it safer than harder surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Synthetic turf is designed to offer shock absorption properties, dispersing impact energy and cushioning falls to minimize the risk of injuries.

Some artificial grass products are installed over shock-absorbing padding or underlayment materials, further enhancing their impact attenuation capabilities. While falling on artificial grass may still cause some discomfort, especially from higher heights, it offers a softer landing compared to harder surfaces, reducing the severity of injuries in most cases.

Yes, all synthetic turf can become hot. It doesn’t have water running through it like natural grass. That said, it doesn’t absorb and radiate heat like pavement, rock or brick surfaces. Most manufacturers make efforts to minimize the surface temperature as much as possible, such as applying heat-reflecting coatings or reducing the density of the backing material.

From our observations over the past few years, we have noticed a few factors that can impact the temperature of artificial grass surfaces.

• Darker turf tends to become warmer.
• Denser turf absorbs more heat.
• Flatter blades transfer heat more quickly.
• Uniform turf is less effectively cooled by wind.
• Increased infill application can lead to higher temperatures.
• Flatter, matted turf tends to be denser and warmer.

On extra warm days, simply hose off your turf to cool it down. We recommend using T°Cool® Infill with your turf installation because it cools the artificial grass by 30° – 50°F through evaporative cooling. It is also antimicrobial and will help to prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors.

If a spill occurs, clean up quickly with water, mild detergent, and a stiff-bristled nylon brush (if needed). Semi-permanent items such as paint can be removed, but will require more effort. Use of harsh or damaging cleaning chemicals, solutions, or solvents may limit the liability claim. Finally, wash the area using any basic carpet cleaner solution and hot water – then rinse thoroughly.

The cost of playground turf varies depending on factors such as the quality of the turf, installation requirements, site preparation, and any additional features or accessories. On average, playground turf can cost between $8 to $15 per square foot for materials and installation. Higher-quality synthetic grass products with enhanced safety features and durability may have a higher upfront cost but offer better long-term value and performance.

Factors such as site accessibility, labor costs, and customization options can affect overall project expenses. While playground turf installation may require a significant upfront investment, its durability, low maintenance requirements, and safety benefits make it a cost-effective choice for playgrounds in the long run.