What ground surface is recommended for playgrounds?

There are several different playground surfaces that are acceptable, and each has its advantages and drawbacks. Consideration must be given to safety standards, environmental conditions, initial cost, time and cost of maintenance, durability, and drainage. Choices include rubber mats or tiles, synthetic poured surfaces, or loose-fill materials such as pea gravel, wood chips, bark mulch, sand and shredded rubber. For more details to help in making decisions, refer to the following website:

http://www.playgroundsafety.org/safety/fallsurf_guidelines.htm