Advances in turf technology and installation practices have helped synthetic grass products transition into the playground industry as a very desirable alternative to loose fill products and other traditional options. There are a lot of reasons that schools, parks, and neighborhoods are choosing synthetic grass for both new and existing playgrounds. It is extremely attractive and looks great throughout the seasons. Synthetic grass also drains and dries quickly so the surface becomes usable almost immediately after a rain and of course no mud! Synthetic grass is more sanitary then many typical ground covers by providing an anti-microbial play surface that is not prone to bacteria build up.
There is little to no maintenance and the unitary surface eliminates the mess and bare spot issues you get with loose fill products. Because synthetic grass is installed with padding and infill, it meets all the safety requirements required of safety surface and is available to meet IPEMA’s ASTM 1292 requirements for up to 12 foot critical head fall. Installers and specifiers should always look for synthetic turf products that are IPEMA certified. Synthetic grass also provides an ADA accessible play surface; another advantage over other products that additional installation considerations to be compliant.
The variety of synthetic grass products is growing. There are styles to reasonably replicate many of the natural grass species in any given geography. Many products are now made with special blends of colors to give an extremely realistic appearance and many manufacturers offer products with a thatch layer that adds to the realism. The more advanced manufacturers have escalated the technology of their turfs to be 100% recyclable. A tremendous selling feature given the environmental consciousness prevalent today. As demand continues to grow for synthetic products the style options will continue to grow.
Like most products, proper installation is a key element of maximum performance for a safety surface. This is where the opportunity lies for forward thinking playground installers. Since demand has grown so quickly in recent years, there is a need for companies to be trained to handle installs for synthetic grass products. Manufacturers are willing to train the right companies to install their products. Partnering with the right manufacturer can provide opportunities for additional revenue. Once an installer has been trained, the chance to provide installation services may even move beyond playgrounds. Synthetic grass is now becoming popular for commercial properties, dog parks, private residences, and road side applications. With every new trend comes new opportunity.