There are many options when it comes to Playground Surfaces. The surface you choose can affect accessibility, maintenance and safety. Some surfaces have a low initial cost but require more upkeep, while others are more expensive but don’t need as much maintenance over time. Some surfaces are more accessible than others, and it’s important to plan your playground surfacing accordingly.

One of the most common playground surface materials is loose-fill surfacing, such as sand, wood chips or rubber mulch. These loose materials offer good shock absorption and can help keep the area dry. However, they can also become displaced during frequent use, especially in high-use areas like beneath swings or at the base of slides. This can lead to unsafe or inaccessible surfaces and increase maintenance costs. A solution for this is to install wear mats, which are available in a variety of sizes and can reduce the amount of loose-fill that is kicked away.

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Natural Grass Play Areas

Another option is unitary surfaces, such as poured or synthetic turf. These are popular because they are slip resistant and provide easy ADA access for wheelchairs. They also have a lower initial cost than loose-fill surfacing and don’t need to be raked as frequently.

Another option is a rubber surface, such as poured or textured EPDM. This is an excellent choice because it’s non-toxic, has excellent shock absorption and can be bonded to a sub-base for stability. These are often installed with a rubber tile system, such as Secure Lock interlocking tiles, which helps to reduce lateral shift of the material.

A Decorative Crossing is a pedestrian crossing that has the colours of the LGBT+ Pride Flag painted on it. This has become a popular way for cities to celebrate the LGBT+ community.

Usually the colours of a rainbow are used to signify gay pride, but they are also often seen in the context of transport and road safety. The idea of a rainbow striped pedestrian crossing was first introduced in Los Angeles (USA) in summer 2012. Since then, it has spread to other cities including Sydney, Australia. The crosswalks are designed to be easily recognized as zebra crossings by people using them for walking or biking, while still bringing in the colours of the Pride Flag.

Designing Inclusivity: The Creative Process of Rainbow Crossing Installation

One of the most prominent examples of a rainbow crossing was installed in Taylor Square in Sydney, Australia for a short time in 2013, timed with that year’s Mardi Gras parade. But the crossing was quickly covered over with asphalt by the NSW state government, which claimed it would be confusing to drivers and a safety hazard.

Another rainbow crossing is located in the City of Melbourne, Australia on Karangahape Road outside St Kevin’s Arcade. This crosswalk uses the colors of the LGBT+ Progress Pride Flag, which has been updated to include a black chevron for Black and Trans pride.

The new crosswalks are a part of the wider Karangahape Enhancement Project, which is focused on preserving the road’s unique character while creating a street environment that supports the local community and meets the needs of the area. Pip Ditzell, the City’s LGBTIQ community programs officer, said that the rainbow crossings are “a great symbol of the City’s pride in its LGBTQIA communities”.