Playgrounds in Phoenix, AZ, are a hub of activity, a place where kids can expend their endless energy. They need surfaces that are not only safe, comfortable, and attractive, but also capable of withstanding Phoenix’s intense climatic conditions. While traditional playground surfaces have their merits, there’s an increasingly popular alternative – artificial grass. With its advanced design and durability, artificial grass has become a strong contender in playground surfacing. In this article, we’ll explore how artificial grass stands up versus traditional playground surfaces in Phoenix.
Artificial Grass: A Modern Play Surface
Artificial grass has been extensively adopted for various applications, among them sports fields, commercial properties, and residential spaces. Its use in playgrounds is an extension of these applications.
Manufactured from synthetic materials, usually polypropylene or nylon, artificial grass has the same look and feel as natural grass. It has a soft, lush, green appearance that remains consistent no matter the weather – something Phoenix residents will definitely appreciate, given the city’s sweltering summer temperatures.
There’s an array of artificial turf design options ideal for Phoenix playgrounds. You can choose from different pile heights, colors, and thicknesses to suit your specific needs.
Traditional Play Surfaces: A Look Back
Typical traditional surfaces include wood chips, gravel, sand, and rubber. While these materials have been around for decades, they have some drawbacks.
For starters, traditional surfaces can be tough on kids — they can sting scraped knees, pour into shoes, and can be swallowed or thrown. They also require constant maintenance and replenishment. Plus, they don’t hold up well against Phoenix’s harsh sunlight and high temperatures.
Comparing Artificial Grass to Traditional Playground Surfaces
Now let’s dive into the key factors for comparing artificial grass and traditional playground surfaces:
Safety
Both artificial grass and traditional surfaces can offer safety for children at play. Sand, wood chips, and rubber provide good shock absorption. However, children can trip on an uneven sand or wood chip surface and get splinters.
Artificial grass is even across its surface, reducing the risk of tripping. It can also be installed with an under padding to offer excellent shock absorption in the event of falls.
Maintenance
Traditional playground surfaces require ongoing maintenance. Sand needs to be raked regularly, wood chips need replacing when worn out, and both can be displaced by rain and wind.
Artificial grass, in comparison, requires minimal maintenance. Regular brushing to keep the surface tidy is generally all that’s required. It’s also highly resistant to weather changes, maintaining a consistent surface in Phoenix’s hot climate and occasional rainy days.
Cosmetics
While traditional surfaces may offer various color options, they can look worn and unattractive over time. Artificial grass keeps its green, lush aesthetic, regardless of weather or heavy usage, making any Phoenix playground inviting.
Sustainability
In Phoenix, water conservation is crucial. Artificial grass doesn’t require watering, unlike natural grass, making it a more sustainable option.
In conclusion, while traditional playground surfaces have their merits, artificial grass seems to bring more to the playground in terms of consistent safety, ease of maintenance, aesthetics, and environmental sustainability in Phoenix’s particular climate. Are you considering installing artificial grass in your Phoenix playground? Feel free to send us a message! We can answer any questions you might have, and can even recommend trusted local installers in Phoenix if needed.