Playground Surface Safety
Each year over 200,000 children are injured on playgrounds with about 15 deaths annually. About 70 percent of playground injuries are caused because of the lack of proper ground cover. A minimum depth of 12 inches of surface cover is recomended to surround each piece of equipment for a minimum 6 foot fall zone. The best surface recomended is shredded tires, wood mulch second, then washed pea gravel. The mulch will need maintenance each year where as the rubber will need little maintenance if properly installed with rubber guards to keep it is place. Rubber mulch requires little maintenance and will not develop mold and fungus which wood mulch does an issue for children. Wood mulch requires regular maintenance with added amounts needed as it rots away into the soil. For more info note this link or call (800) 638-2772 and ask for "The Handbook For Public Playground Safety" Regulations vary by state and should be considered for both church and private church schools as well as a guide.