Tips for Creating an ADA-Compliant Play Area with Playground Turf
Outdoor play is about more than just fun — it’s an essential part of keeping kids happy and healthy. Playgrounds are where kids grow up, not just physically but socially and emotionally, too. That’s why playgrounds need to be accessible to all kids.
Unfortunately, many play areas aren’t designed for children with disabilities. However, by using artificial turf, you can design playscapes that are safe, fun, and accessible to every child. Here’s how you can use playground turf to create spaces where every kid can thrive!
Use Artificial Turf To Create an Even Surface
Common playground materials like woodchips and gravel aren’t accessible to kids who use mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. That’s why parents and schools prefer artificial turf as a playground surface. Synthetic grass creates a smooth, even surface that allows every kid to enjoy the space and have fun!
Use Synthetic Grass To Foster Inclusivity
It’s important to ensure that physical barriers don’t segregate kids from their peers when designing play areas. Artificial turf makes it easy for all kids to access the same play space, encouraging children to interact and play together. It’s a great feeling to watch kids become fast friends after just meeting on the playground. Artificial turf installation removes physical barriers, like uneven surfaces, helping to bring kids of all abilities together.
Choose Playground Turf With Quality Backing
Safety is the No. 1 priority when it comes to kids’ play spaces! No matter how carefully you watch them, children are inevitably going to trip and fall. Unlike harder surfaces like asphalt or concrete, playground turf is soft and shock-absorbent, helping to protect kids from injury.
Synthetic grass has a soft, plush surface that helps minimize cuts and scrapes. At EnvyLawn, we also ensure that all our playground turf is IPEMA-certified. This means it’s third-party tested and proven to help absorb the shock from a fall. By making your play area as safe as possible, you help ensure that it’s accessible to all kids.
Create Smooth Transitions Between Turf and Hardscaping
Smooth transitions from your playscape to the surrounding areas, such as ramps and walkways, are crucial to ensuring accessibility. Artificial turf makes it easy to create seamless transitions. Your installer can ensure the turf lines up evenly with the edge of your hardscaped areas to prevent any barriers to access. A good contractor will also know how to create a smooth transition into the playground so it’s easy for kids who use mobility aids to get where they’re going.
Add Sensory Play Elements To Your Playground
Lastly, turf makes it easy to add sensory play elements suitable for children with disabilities. From accessible swings to tactile surfaces, synthetic turf is the perfect surface for installing all types of fun, ADA-compliant playground equipment.
At EnvyLawn, we’re proud to be a leading supplier of high-quality artificial turf! Our playground turf has been used to transform countless homes, schools, and public parks nationwide. If you have questions about creating ADA-compliant spaces, our team is happy to help you find the right wholesale artificial turf for your project. Give us a call at 888-368-9596 or contact us online today to get started.