CHARLOTTE – It’s Summertime and summertime means play time in the great outdoors. Local parks, summer schools and daycare, vacation Bible school, churches and backyard playgrounds are all replenishing areas where the little ones may fall from swings, slides, monkey bars, rope ladders and tree houses. In North Carolina, State and Local Governments have established statutes and ordinances that lay out playground specifications for public, commercial and non-profit organizations.
International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) Certification sets the standard that organizations must comply with in order to provide a safe playground environment. Private homeowners do not fall under these requirements but it is extremely important for everyone to follow the IPEMA guidelines that primarily address impact attenuation if falls occur. For more information regarding these safety guidelines you can simply Google IPEMA to find a wealth of information regarding these guidelines.
Regarding the right material to use to provide the playground cushion, there are several types that can be used. Wood chips, shredded mulch, sand and even rubber mulch are most commonly used. But the most popular, effective and least expensive is wood chips measuring between the size of a dime to a quarter.
All wood chips provide the same protection from the impact of falls if laid down in the required thickness recommended by the IPEMA. The difference is in the type of wood chip. By far the least expensive is regular hardwood and soft pine wood. Unfortunately these materials absorb water, blacken and decay quickly. Cedar and Cypress wood chips, although sometimes significantly more expensive, are extremely decay resistant and require less replacement over time. So it’s a simple budget choice with no right or wrong answer. Pay more up front and replace less or pay less up front and replace more often. For more information contact us at Metrolina Mulch, (704) 888-1822 or email us at pam@metrolinamulch.com. We carry IPEMA certified playground material to suit your needs.
