Both an outdoor gym and a playground are places that should provide the maximum level of safety. After all, the people staying there are in constant motion, and for this reason it is not difficult to fall. In order for it to be least severe in its consequences, special care should be taken with the type of substrate. From our article you will learn what kind of subfloor to choose for a playground and outdoor gym.
The question of choosing a surface differs depending on whether it will be laid in a playground or an outdoor gym. Of course, in both situations it should cushion falls as best as possible, but in the first case this is a necessity dictated by European standards, while in the second it depends on the decision of the investor. Why such a difference?
Playground substrate
Playgrounds are a place intended for children, so they must meet strict safety standards. These apply to both the equipment and the surface located there. This is what the PN-EN 1177 standard is devoted to, which talks about playground surfaces that absorb falls, as well as the determination of the critical height of a fall. As is clear from the provisions of the aforementioned document, the surface must be fully safe. For this reason, it is unacceptable to use concrete, stone or clay for this purpose due to the hardness of these materials and the possibility of dangerous injury during a fall. So you can either use a loose substrate, such as sand or gravel of the appropriate fraction, or opt for a synthetic surface, usually made of rubber. This is an increasingly popular choice, because if it meets the standard, the critical fall height can be accurately determined. This type of surface has another very important feature. It is soft and pleasant to the touch, and above all, it offers unlimited color and design possibilities, which contributes to the appearance of the playground and makes it even more attractive to children.
Substrate for outdoor gym
As for the floor of an outdoor gym, there are no specific standards here. Since the exercisers are mostly adults, they are much less prone to accidents than children. Consequently, the choice of substrate is much wider. Most often, you can encounter outdoor gyms on natural ground, concrete pavers or synthetic surfaces. So what should you opt for?
Natural substrates will certainly be the cheapest solution. Sand or gravel will work well here. You can also choose to set the equipment on grass, which will further cushion falls. However, this is a solution that has the disadvantage of requiring time-consuming maintenance.
It is also quite common to see paving stones as the substrate of an outdoor gym. It is aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain. Thanks to the slots, it also handles water drainage well. It can be color-matched to the equipment and appropriate zones can be designated. However, users need to be aware that it is a hard surface, which will be felt when falling.
Synthetic substrates are increasingly used in outdoor gyms. They are characterized by high safety and aesthetics. Numerous color options, as well as the ability to arrange any pattern, greatly benefit the appearance of the gym. In addition, it is easy to maintain.
When deciding on a surface for a playground or outdoor gym, one must consider aesthetics, ease of maintenance and user safety.