Safe surfacing should be a vital consideration for all playgrounds and jungle gyms. It can make play areas significantly safer for children.
At Van Dyck, we specialise in rubber flooring and ground cover products made from 100% recycled rubber. For playgrounds and jungle gyms, our products include premium outdoor rubber tiles, as well as wet pour rubber.
Jump to section:
- why consider safe surfacing, with South African playground statistics
- outdoor rubber tiles
- wet pour for playgrounds
- beyond safety: other benefits of rubberised surfacing
- other applications.
The importance of safe playground surfacing
Paediatric injuries are common at playgrounds, with thousands of children treated at emergency rooms every year in South Africa. The majority of injuries (estimated at over 70%) happen as a result of falls from climbing equipment, slides or swings.
Broken bones, cuts and scrapes are common. Severe head injuries are also a risk, especially when equipment is on hard surfaces like compacted earth or concrete.
It’s not only toddlers, or very young children, who are at risk. According to one study by ChildSafe South Africa, 12% of playground injures occur in children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Rubberised surfacing can’t prevent all types of playground injuries – but it significantly reduces the risk of injury due to falls.
Outdoor rubber tiles for play areas
Rubber tiles are non-slip and impact-absorbent. This makes them safer than concrete, paving or compacted earth.
Our 100 x 100 cm rubber tiles are made from 100% recycled, non-toxic and low VOC polyurethane bonding raw materials. They are safe for children and eco-friendly, with Global GreenTag® certification.
The tiles with 40 or 50 mm thickness are suitable for outdoor use. They’re ideal for home and school play areas, as well as larger playgrounds.
Wet pour surfacing for playgrounds
Wet pour is exceptionally flexible. It can cover uneven, sloped or even stepped surfaces, and be used to create custom shapes and colours.
It’s an excellent choice for playgrounds and other recreation areas.
Beyond safety: other benefits of rubberised surfacing for play areas
Of course, safety comes first – but rubber surfacing has additional benefits too.
Longevity
Rubber surfacing can last for decades. It’s resistant to heat and cold, making it ideal for South Africa’s climate. It’s also permeable, so it offers good drainage during rainy weather.
Sound dampening
Rubber absorbs noise and vibrations. It muffles the impact of running and jumping and can dampen echoes from shouting (especially in walled playgrounds). This results in a quieter playground.
Flexibility
Wet pour rubber can be installed on flat, uneven, sloped or stepped areas. It can be poured to any thickness, and can be customised to create custom shapes and colours.
Rubber tiles are designed for installing on hardened, even surfaces but can be cut to suit required dimensions.
Aesthetics
Rubber surfacing is neat and attractive, and available in a choice of colours. In the case of wet pour, the sky is the limit – create custom colours and shapes.
Easy maintenance
Simply spray down or sweep to clean. Because there are no gaps, there’s also no need for weeding (which can become a chore in the case of paving).
Other applications for rubber surfacing
Rubberised materials are increasingly popular for surfacing areas wherever people walk, run, cycle or play. They’re also widely used in commercial and home gyms.
For example, rubber surfacing can create safe, attractive outdoor ground covering in:
- crèches and schools
- facilities for the elderly
- sports and recreation areas
- theme parks
- mini-golf courses
- caravan parks and tent sites.
Why use rubber surfacing from Van Dyck
At Van Dyck, we are South Africa’s leading provider of rubber flooring, paving and wet pour products. Our products come with warranties, and we offer free delivery to anywhere in the country.
Contact us for more information about safe surfacing for playgrounds and jungle gyms in South Africa and we’ll be pleased to assist.
