Playground Design and Fall Zones
A landscape architect or certified engineer involved in the playground design and planning process should be consulted regarding the topography of the installation area. Proper drainage should be insured, with the consultant or the engineer, climate of the area, and topography of the installation area. The Fall Zone guidelines need to be followed in the installation process to ensure that all fall zones are properly covered at the recommended installed depths in all extensions and design of all fall zones of the playground. The Fall Zone is the area under and around the equipment where protective surfacing is required, which should extend a minimum of 6 feet in all directions from the perimeter of the equipment.
Surface Preparation
In-Ground Installation
Installation area must be prepared for installation of safety surfacing. Clear area of all sod, wood chips, rocks, stumps, debris, _gravel, or other surfacing. Ensure with consultants that the area is properly graded for the appropriate drainage based on installation depth, and firmly compact the area. Excavate area to the proper depth for the required installation depth based on the height of the equipment. In-ground installation is not recommended unless appropriate drainage has been planned and verified.
Perimeter Installation
In-Ground Installation
A border area of landscape timbers is suggested. Place the timbers at ground level and anchor them in place. The excavation done in the previous step will eliminate tripping hazards as the proper depth has been excavated to allow timbers to be at ground level.
Landscape Fabric
Installation of the contractor grade geotextile .landscape fabric barrier is recommended under the play area to reduce maintenance, ensure coating performance, and deter weed growth. Seams overlap needs to be a minimum of 3 inches and all seams need to be secured during installation to prevent dirt and debris from mixing in with the playground safety surfacing. Ensure that the fabric is secure and tight around all playground uprights and standards.
Drainage
If stone is used for drainage underneath Endura Safe playground safety surfacing, a geotextile landscape fabric is recommended. For proper gravel drainage, the gravel must be installed beneath the filter fabric beneath the Endura Safe playground safety surfacing.
Coverage and installed Depths
When determining the required amount of coverage and installed depth, please refer to the attached sheet titled “Estimating Endura Safe Needs For Playground Projects”.
Playground Area
Refer to Attachment A for current safety guidelines on swings, slides, and mobile equipment. Review current safety guidelines from CPSC/ASTM for any updates or changes to the standards.
Retaining Wall above Ground Installation
Any above ground installation will require a retaining wall. Rubber curbing is recommended. Rubber curbing contains the prop·er installed depth of the above ground material, to prevent displacement of the material. Consult an engineer or consu_ltant to review topography of the above ground installation to ensure proper drainage and safety zones as recommended above. Review area to ensure that all surfaces that may interfere with the proper installation of the above playground safety surfacing have been removed, before placement of playground safety surfacing at the appropriate recommended depth.
Playground Safety surfacing delivery
Endura Safe can be delivered in bulk loads, super sacks, or 1.0 cubic foot poly bags. A pallet jack, Bob cat, forklift, or skid steer maybe necessary to off load super sack, or pallets of material to bring from the delivery truck to the area of placement. Please ensure that space is adequate and equipment ready for the selected method of delivery.
Placement of Surfacing
Playground safety surfacing can be spread over the prepared surface area manually, or by machine, rake or shovel. Proper care and installation needs to be used to ensure no disruption of the placed geotextile fabric. To provide a smooth surface a hand rake can be done of the final surface.
Rubber Mats
It is recommended that additional material or rubber matting be placed under high traffic areas. Rubber mats are to be placed midway through the playground safety surfacing, and should not be used alone. The critical fall height for the mats is 3 feet and is not to be used alone. They can be used in conjunction with Endura Safe Playground Safety Surfacing.
After Installation
It is recommended that a regular maintenance routine is performed to maintain proper installed depth, to increase the longevity of the color, and cleanliness of the playground safety surfacing.