Playground Surfacing - What are the options?

Submitted by Andrea S. Kerr, AIA

Residents in Medway, MA still have questions regarding the confusion surrounding Article 1, which goes to vote June 9, 2016. The article is for the adoption of a moratorium on any tire derived products for the next three years until the research that has been mandated related to crumb rubber is concluded. Some residents and town officials mistakenly thought the moratorium would affect Article 2, which intends to upgrade many parks and playgrounds areas in our town.

The following information may be helpful to other communities as they contemplate what products to utilize for similar improvements over the next 3 years.

That said, I believe firmly that factual data is the key to any informed decision, so I took the time to compile information in two different documents; 

• One document states all the legal requirements for compliant surfaces for playground spaces.  The information is taken directly from the regulations and agencies. 
• The second document is a compilation of various surfacing materials and indicates various factors - materials, recycled rubber content, ASTM testing, ADA compliance, cost and other applicable information.  It is by no means the limit of materials - there are many more available for use, and focus was on the tested products noted in the CPSC list. 

It was meant to let our residents know that when time comes to pick surfaces for the playground projects, which hopefully move forward, there are MANY COMPLIANT OPTIONS, of varying costs!  It also very clearly states that there are NO aquatic products that utilize recycled rubber.
I am hopeful that my fellow Medway residents find this information helpful in making a decision this coming Thursday.  The information reinforces the message that voting YES for Article 1, is a smart pause as we wait for science to catch up with the products and voting YES for Article 1 will not affect Article 2, which I also plan to vote yes for.
 
Andrea Kerr is a registered architect that has been designing hospitals for almost 20 years.  Accessibility is part of her every day, as are the associated regulations. All information is taken DIRECTLY from manufacturer CSI (specifications) with supplemental information from discussions with reps.  Any items in a grey tone were not able to be filled in as of this  posting.