Outdoor spaces in public parks, housing developments, schools, and leisure sites should make space for everyone, and increasing accessibility for those with disabilities is essential. At PlaySmart we recognise the critical importance of outdoor areas also having accessible pathways and wheelchair accessible, inclusive playground surfacing. How do we do this? In our unique Smart way…
Wetpour rubber is a classic surface for playgrounds, loved for its ability to brighten up areas with vibrant colours, and provide crazy design patterns on the floor. When mixed and poured well, it is durable and low maintenance, and we carry this out on-site, with precision. RubbaSmart is PlaySmart’s premier high-quality, wet-pour rubber flooring solution.
Due to wetpour’s superior stability and flexibility, it is well suited to for accessible pathways through grass and around playground equipment. The rubber creates a much smoother surface for wheelchair users, especially when compared to uneven grass or cracked concrete.
Additionally, RubbaSmart is incredibly safe for a range of critical fall heights, from 20mm to 130mm. This protection is long-lasting, especially when completed with an EPDM solution as a top layer or repair patch.
JungleMulch is a recycled rubber mulch, an eco-friendly choice for any playground looking to promote sustainability. Installed alongside the hedge line or around tee roots, JungleMulch accommodates tree/plant growth whilst suppressing unruly weeds. This is beneficial to the local ecosystem, but also helps make walkways through wooded areas more accessible. The rubber creates a stable surface with no trip hazards where raised roots and crumbly or muddy grass or dirt verges caused problems.
Furthermore, the surface is textured, meaning its both water-permeable and shock-absorbent. This makes JungleMulch a great choice for any outdoor area, suitable for play, sports, gathering spaces, or relaxing in nature.
EPDM Mulch is a versatile option for any accessible surfacing project, with great tensile strength for greater safety and durability. Another key strength is its colour- the vibrancy does not rub off over time. This helps make your playground look exciting and appeal for young children. But importantly, this vibrancy can also make navigation easier for visually impaired individuals.
An EPDM strip along the side of a pathway not only covers gaps and tripping hazards at the edge of the existing material, but can create a more easily identifiable guide for visitors with limited eye-sight. This helps everybody stay on the safe path or even avoid areas with equipment that could be difficult to navigate.
When people with mobility aids move around a public space, puddles and flooding pose a huge inconvenience- limiting access to certain spaces. If your playground surfaces suffer from flooding, muddy puddles, or instability due to the environment, your site may not be as accessible as it used to be.
Replacing and upgrading key areas of your site most prone to water collecting in them is important to ensure equal access for everybody. We recommend our specialised water-permeable surfaces as an effective solution for this issue. These prevent water from accumulating and last longer than many alternatives not built for the wide range of weather experienced on the Great British playground.
Our drainage solutions include:
Our aggregate blend of SmartPave combines an attractive, textured surface with smart design for pathways complaint with Sustainable Drainage System requirements for drainage.
Corkeen is a unique, cork-based safety surface is structured with two-layers. The top providing a wear-resistant coating, while the bottom provides flexibility, shock-absorbance, and most importantly allows for great water drainage.
We have decades of experience and numerous supply options for accessible playground and accessible pathway installations. Without flooring solutions, wheelchair accessible inclusive playground equipment cannot be reached.
To get a quote, or to learn more, visit our contact page, or give us a call on 01564 742811. We’d love to hear from you.
