Many of us formed our first memories on a playground. From racing to the swings to mastering the monkey bars, playgrounds are a pillar of childhood. If you’re in the process of designing your own, whether it’s for your backyard, schoolyard, or childcare center, choosing the right surface is essential.

High-quality artificial grass is your best option for creating outdoor play areas that are just as safe as they are fun. Unlike woodchips and other common playground materials, playground turf is designed to help keep kids happier and healthier. Here’s what to look for when choosing synthetic grass for your playscape!

Look For Artificial Turf With Proven Durability

Your playground needs to be durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic, rough play, and changing weather conditions. High-quality artificial turf is made to handle these demands without compromising its natural look and feel.

Look for playground turf made with advanced synthetic materials, high fiber density, and a robust backing material. Combined, these components make for a playscape tough enough to handle the job.

Make Safety a Top Priority

Safety is a top priority when designing any type of play area for kids. There are a few key factors to look for when choosing your playground turf that will ensure your outdoor spaces are as safe as possible.

First, look for synthetic turf that’s certified non-toxic and lead-free. At EnvyLawn, all of our synthetic grass products are made without any harmful chemicals or compounds that can make kids sick.

Next, ask your artificial grass supplier about shock absorption. Children will inevitably trip and fall while on the playground, so you want to ensure they have a safe surface to land on. The right turf will be IPEMA-certified, meaning it meets strict industry standards for shock absorption and overall safety.

Ensure Your Playground Turf Has a Quality Drainage System

Worried about germs? You’re not alone! Kids aren’t the cleanest people, so it’s natural to wonder how you’ll keep your new playground from becoming a bacteria breeding ground. 

The key factor here is drainage. A good drainage system, like EnvyFlo, keeps germs at bay by allowing water, spills, and other liquids to quickly flow through the backing materials and back into the earth. Drainage is essential because it keeps the surface of your artificial grass clean and dry. Besides the occasional rinse with the garden hose, your playground will need very little maintenance to stay fresh and clean.

Don’t Limit Your Creativity

Playgrounds are made for play, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your design choices! Artificial grass is one of the most versatile, customizable landscaping materials on the market, and the right turf supplier will have tons of options and ideas for you to consider.

At EnvyLawn, we offer a comprehensive selection of synthetic turf styles and colors. From backyard playgrounds to large commercial projects, we have the quality materials and expert guidance you need to knock your next installation out of the park! Give us a call at 888-368-9596 or contact us online today. We’d love to hear about your next project.