Creating usable children’s play areas
Whether it’s because of poor maintenance, a lack of funds, or bad environmental conditions, schools in every corner of the country have areas of land that are unusable. As well as creating eyesores, these damaged, neglected areas restrict the amount of space that children have to play in. With 90% of schools losing playing fields to building works, there is more pressure to create useful, safe and fun play areas than ever before.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to create usable play areas in difficult or challenging conditions is to use artificial grass. Safe, affordable and eye-catching, artificial grass can help to brighten up a play area and give kids the space they need to have fun and get active.
Unusable playgrounds
Most schools in the UK have at least one section of their playground that’s overgrown with weeds, tired, dark or covered in cold, hard concrete. However, with a little bit of TLC, elbow grease and investment, these unusable areas can be transformed into useful, attractive and practical spaces, giving school children throughout the country space to play and schools the chance to have a playground they can be truly proud of.
Why artificial grass makes the perfect playground solution
Not only is artificial grass more attractive than concrete, tarmac or wood chip, it is also more practical. Allowing children to play outside in all weathers, the mud free surface helps to keep uniforms clean and parents happy. What’s more, as artificial grass is softer than concrete and tarmac, it helps to prevent injuries and provides a safe and natural looking play area for children of all ages to enjoy.
Will an artificial play surface require maintenance?
Like any play surface, artificial grass will require some maintenance in order to keep it in tiptop condition. If the grass is located in a dark, damp area of the playground, a product such as Algoclear Pro may be needed to help keep mould and algae in check. The surface may need brushing up occasionally – this can be done by using a stiff brush against the pile, but for the most part, the sand infill will keep it upright.
How long will an artificial grass surface last?
Maintained properly, an artificial play surface should last at least 10 years, even with heavy daily use. This makes an artificial surface a fantastic investment for a school and ensures that pupils will have an area that can enjoy for years to come. What’s more, as all of the coatings, backings and glue that are used in the production process meet ASTM and IPEMA standards, they are completely safe for use in play areas.
As Glenn Moore from The Independent says, artificial surfaces are “the solution to a participation crisis” in sports clubs and schools across the country. Replacing tired, old play areas with bright new artificial ones transforms the health of our school children and makes the playground a more enjoyable place to be.