Playground Grass Synthetic Turf FAQ

For many schools, daycares, and city parks, staying within budget on a playground design is the top priority. But oftentimes the most inexpensive solution is not the safest one. We have put together a comparison of how much the most popular playground surfacing materials cost to help put things into perspective.

A truly safe playground surface must meet ASTM 1292 fall specifications and ASTM 1951 ADA accessibility guidelines. Some surfaces go beyond these requirements to manufacture antimicrobial protection and antistatic technology into the surface.

Playground Grass synthetic turf:

Learn more about the safety of Playground Grass synthetic turf.

From loose-fill surfacing to unitary options like turf or tiles, here are some of the most commonly used types of playground surfacing:

• Synthetic turf
• Wood chips/mulch
• Poured rubber
• Pea gravel
• Sand
• Engineered wood fiber (EWF)
• Rubber mats/tiles

Playground Grass synthetic turf is one of the only surfacing solutions out there that stacks up in nearly all aspects, from safety to maintenance to appearance. Not only does it meet and exceed ASTM fall height specifications and is ADA compliant, but it provides an extremely natural, realistic appearance.

The materials we use to make Playground Grass synthetic turf are non-toxic to humans and animals. Although synthetic turf has been under scrutiny for using potentially harmful crumb rubber infill, it has been ruled safe to play on. Our products specifically have undergone extensive testing and are determined to be safe. You can find links to tests and other articles on safety here.

In fact, Playground Grass synthetic turf excels when it comes to safety for children! Here are some fast facts about our Playground Grass products:

The short answer is YES, artificial grass is great for kids. Artificial turf not only meets safety requirements, but exceeds them. A safe, lush, inviting surface like Playground Grass synthetic turf may help give kids the confidence to step outside their comfort zone and be a little more brave knowing that they’re not likely to fall on sharp wood chips or hard concrete.

Plus, Playground Grass Ultra comes in many different colors, and kids really love the colorful designs that our dealers create for playgrounds. These creative designs can be inspiring and energizing for kids, encouraging them to think outside the box and enjoy the bright, vibrant world around them.

Our turf is especially great for kids with disabilities who often love the feel of grass but tend to rip it out or try to eat it. Synthetic turf gives them that same feel of natural grass, but it’s more durable and long lasting.

When you invest in a playground, you want to be sure it provides maximum safety for as long as possible. Playground Grass™ products last longer than most safety surfacing you’ll find, and they come backed by our 15-year warranty.

Playground Grass synthetic turf is the best surfacing solution for playgrounds because it’s a well-rounded product that has so many benefits to offer. Not only does it look great, just like natural grass, but it also has the added benefits of XStatic™ antistatic technology, AlphaSan^® antimicrobial technology, and not to mention versatility! Our turf is an ideal surfacing solution even for those challenging landscapes that span hills and patches of trees.

Our synthetic turf is ideal for playgrounds because it is:

• Attractive
• Versatile
• Durable
• Safe
• Long-Lasting
• Low-Maintenance

The safety of Playground Grass synthetic turf has been verified through IPEMA certified testing facilities. Our products meet the ASTM 1292 fall specifications, as well as the ASTM 1951 ADA accessibility specifications. We also monitor and meet all the CPSC (consumer product safety commission) standards and recommendations for playground surfaces. Testing certificates are available upon request.

Let’s take a look at how other surfaces compare when it comes to accessibility...

Every child should be able to enjoy all the fun that playgrounds have to offer without struggling or feeling exhausted trying to navigate a playground. It was a top priority in the design phase of Playground Grass synthetic turf to make sure that our product would be ADA compliant and inclusive to children of all abilities.

Playground Grass products meet ASTM 1951 ADA accessibility specifications, meaning it’s easy for people in wheelchairs or with mobility aids to navigate the turf.

Some simply build up a playground or play area right on natural grass, and while it’s definitely safer than concrete or asphalt, it still doesn’t provide enough cushion upon impact. Over time, weather and constant use can cause the soil under the grass to become compact, and the grass blades do not provide enough protection.

So, if even natural grass isn’t safe enough for a playground, then what kind of surface is? And can it still be attractive? YES! Playground Grass synthetic turf provides the same lush, natural appearance as natural grass, but it has much more cushion and impact resistance, as well as added benefits like antimicrobial technology built into the blades. In addition, our turf doesn’t get muddy, and it can be played on shortly after rainfall due to superior drainage.

Reducing static electricity should be every playground designer’s goal, as static shock is a real concern for children with electronic medical devices like cochlear implants. For many people, shocks received on the playground are more bothersome or uncomfortable, but for children with these devices, the shocks can actually inhibit their ability to play safely.

Choosing a surfacing solution that has antistatic technology built into it, like Playground Grass Ultra, is a great way to help reduce static electricity on the playground.

Download our free white paper on static electricity in regards to playground safety.

Playground Grass products not only provide a safe surface for kids to play on, they provide a low-maintenance surface that will hold up against everyday play.

While we can’t answer for every brand of artificial grass out there, Playground Grass by ForeverLawn is designed for long-lasting durability and safe play. Kids are not able to rip out blades of Playground Grass synthetic turf because of our premium backing that offers unmatched benefits. It increases stability and protects the blades from the top and the bottom, making it virtually impossible to pull them away from the backing.

What factors are the most important drivers for playground evolution? It comes down to 1.) safety and 2.) the child’s (and parent’s) user experience. Modern-day designers and planners look beyond accessibility mandates, with an eye to meeting demands from the user base that includes parents, children, and educators. Some of the wish-list items that impact playground design and surface selection include:

• Increasing requests that playground surfaces look, feel, and play like natural materials.
• The demand for a better play experience for children who utilize the playground.
• The desire for surfaces that can increase the amount of outdoor playtime after inclement weather.

When considering the affordability of playground surfacesand in search of the most budget-friendly option, you can’t just look at up-front cost alone. It’s important to consider the longevity of the surfacing material. Playground Grass is the most affordable surfacing solution for playgrounds in the long term, as it’s guaranteed to meet (and exceed!) ASTM 1292 standards for eight years at eight feet. Our critical fall height testing shows that Playground Grass actually supports falls up to 15 feet! Additionally, our product comes with an industry-leading 15-year warranty. We install it once and you can rely on its performance for years to come, as opposed to solutions like woodchips or sand that need to be frequently replenished or re-installed.

Some brands and types of synthetic grass may not be tested and proven as fall-safe, which means that falls could be painful and dangerous. However, Playground Grass by ForeverLawn is designed specifically for use by children on playgrounds and meets stringent standards upheld by the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA). Our commitment to safety ensures that falling on Playground Grass is a much safer and less impactful experience than falling on natural grass or artificial grass that does not meet the necessary standards.

Yes, many types of artificial grass get hot in the sun. But the reality is that all playground surfaces get hot in direct sunlight. The good thing about synthetic grass is that the heat dissipates quickly. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that not all artificial grass products are designed the same, which is why brand selection is critical to your satisfaction.

Playground Grass by ForeverLawn is designed specifically for safe play on playgrounds. Our products are engineered with blade color options to reduce high temperatures in direct sunlight. If these issues are of particular concern for your specific climate or playground space, we recommend the use of a cooling infill to mitigate high surface temperatures. TºCool® is specifically designed to reduce heat on turf materials using evaporative cooling.

Additionally, other playground features such as shade structures and sprinkler systems can be added to reduce surface temperatures.

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.