Reviving an Old School Playground: Transforming Broken Rubber Tiles to Playground Turf

Playgrounds are an essential part of childhood, offering children a safe space to explore, socialise, and engage in physical activities. However, over time, these spaces can deteriorate, posing potential risks to children’s safety. One common issue is the degradation of rubber tiles, which can become broken and uneven. In this blog, we will explore the transformation of an old school playground with broken rubber tiles into a new, vibrant surface using high-quality playground turf.

Identifying the Problem

When the rubber tiles in the old school playground started to break and become uneven, it posed several concerns. These tiles not only created an unattractive appearance but also increased the risk of trips, falls, and injuries for children. Recognizing the need for a solution, the school administration decided to revamp the playground surface with durable playground turf.

The Benefits of Playground Turf

Playground turf is a synthetic grass-like surface that has gained popularity in recent years for its numerous advantages. Unlike natural grass, playground turf requires minimal maintenance, saving significant time and money for the school. It provides a consistent and level playing surface, reducing the risk of accidents caused by uneven ground. Additionally, playground turf is durable, weather-resistant, and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for high-use playground areas.

• When used with recycled ProPlay shockpad the turf will meet critical fall heights of 3m.
• The shockpad and turf system is certified to NZ safety standards NZS5828:2015.
• Little to no maintenance once installed correctly, just removal of leaf debris.
• Turf has a longer life expectancy than many other surfacing options, 8–12 years.
• Excellent drainage – has a water permeability rating of over 2,000mm per hour.
• Wide range of vibrant colours to choose from in the COOLplay range.
• Protected against UV degradation.

Planning the Transformation

Before embarking on the transformation process, the school administration formed a committee comprising teachers, parents, and students to discuss the project’s scope and requirements. They collaborated with landscape architects and playground experts to design a safe and engaging play area that would cater to children of different age groups. The team carefully evaluated different types of playground turf to ensure they selected the best option for their needs.

Preparing the Ground

To ensure a smooth transition, the broken rubber tiles were carefully removed, taking into account proper waste management and recycling options. The ground was then levelled to create a solid foundation for the new playground turf surface. This step was crucial to guarantee the longevity and safety of the playground.

Installing the Playground Turf

The installation of playground turf involved several stages. First, a layer of crushed stone was laid down to provide a stable base with excellent drainage. Next, a shock-absorbent pad was placed to enhance the playground’s safety, minimizing the impact of falls and exceeding safety standards. Finally, the high-quality playground turf was carefully laid, cut to fit around the existing playground equipment, and properly secured. The school chose standard green playground turf to create a natural and visually appealing environment for the children.

Finishing Touches

To complete the transformation, additional elements can be incorporated into the playground design. These can include synthetic grass turf borders, colorful play structures, interactive equipment, and designated areas for different activities such as sports, imaginative play, and socializing. The addition of benches, shade structures, and proper lighting can also ensure that the playground is not only safe but also comfortable for children, teachers, and parents. In this case, the focus remained on the quality playground turf installation, which was all that was necessary to revitalize the space.

The Joy of a Transformed Playground

Once the playground turf was in place, the transformation brought immense excitement to the children, who now had a safe, clean, and engaging space to enjoy their playtime. The new artificial turf surface not only boosted their physical well-being but also encouraged creativity, social interaction, and overall happiness. Parents and teachers noted the difference immediately – no more muddy shoes, consistent play surface in all weather conditions, and a dramatically improved appearance.

Conclusion

The transformation of an old school playground with broken rubber tiles to a new playground turf surface is a testament to the importance of investing in children’s safety and well-being. By replacing the worn-out tiles with high-quality playground turf, the school administration successfully revitalized the playground, providing an attractive, durable, and safe environment for children to play and grow. This transformation not only enhances the school’s infrastructure but also contributes to the overall development and happiness of the students.

If your school is considering a playground upgrade, investing in quality playground turf will provide benefits for years to come.

Ready to transform your school playground? Contact TeamTurf today for a free consultation and discover how our premium playground turf solutions can create a safer, more durable play space for your students.