Churches All Across America Are Upgrading Playgrounds with FallZone Poured-in-Place Surfacing: A Safer, Smarter Investment!
From small rural congregations to bustling urban ministries, churches across America are prioritizing the safety and joy of their youngest members by upgrading their playgrounds. A growing trend is the replacement of traditional playground mulch with FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surfacing (https://
Why Churches Are Moving Away from Mulch
For decades, wood chips, rubber mulch, and other loose-fill materials have been the go-to choice for playground surfacing due to their low initial cost. However, these materials come with significant drawbacks that churches are increasingly unwilling to overlook:
– High Maintenance Needs: Mulch and wood chips displace easily during play, requiring regular raking and topping off to maintain safe depths. This ongoing maintenance can strain church budgets and volunteer resources.
– Inconsistent Safety: Loose-fill materials often compact or scatter, creating uneven surfaces that fail to provide consistent fall protection. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 70% of playground injuries result from falls, and improper surfacing is a leading cause. (https://
– Accessibility Challenges: Mulch and loose rubber mulch are difficult to navigate for children and adults using wheelchairs or mobility aids, limiting inclusivity.
– Environmental and Health Concerns: Rubber mulch, often made from recycled tires, can emit gases, contain heavy metals, and become dangerously hot in the sun, posing potential health risks.
Churches, as community hubs committed to nurturing families, are seeking a better solution that aligns with their mission of safety, inclusivity, and stewardship. Enter FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surfacing.
What Is FallZone Poured-in-Place Surfacing?
FallZone Poured-in-Place is a two-layer, seamless playground surfacing system designed for maximum safety and durability. The first layer, known as the “Safety Base Layer,” is made from 100% recycled SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) mixed with a low-odor polyurethane binder. This layer is poured over a stable sub-base (like concrete or compacted stone) and customized to meet the critical fall height requirements of the playground equipment. The second layer, the “Wear Layer,” consists of a 3/4-inch thick TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate) rubber, also bound with polyurethane, available in a variety of vibrant colors and customizable designs
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This unitary surface is professionally installed to create a smooth, shock-absorbing pad that transforms playground fall zones into safe, accessible, and attractive play areas. Churches can even incorporate school colors, logos, or interactive designs like hopscotch or foursquare to enhance the play experience.
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Why FallZone Poured-in-Place Is Safer
The safety benefits of FallZone Poured-in-Place surfacing make it a game-changer for church playgrounds.
Here’s why it stands out:
– Superior Fall Protection: FallZone Poured-in-Place meets and exceeds ASTM F1292 standards for impact attenuation, providing protection for fall heights up to 12 feet. This ensures that children are safeguarded from life-threatening head injuries, which account for a significant portion of playground accidents.
– Seamless and Stable Surface: Unlike mulch, which can scatter or create uneven patches, FallZone’s unitary design eliminates tripping hazards and ensures consistent cushioning across the entire playground. This seamless surface is also ADA-compliant, making it accessible for children and adults with mobility challenges.
– Non-Toxic and Safe: The materials used in FallZone Poured-in-Place are non-toxic and environmentally safe, free from harmful chemicals that might be present in recycled tire mulch. This is especially important for young children who may touch or ingest playground surfaces (https://
– Slip-Resistant and Weather-Resilient: The TPV wear layer is UV-resistant, slip-resistant, and drains quickly after rain, reducing the risk of slips and falls in wet conditions. It also withstands extreme weather, maintaining its safety properties year-round. (https://
A Long-Term Investment for Churches
While the upfront cost of FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surfacing (ranging from $9.00 to $16.00 per square foot, depending on project size) is higher than mulch, its durability and low maintenance make it a cost-effective choice over time. Here’s why it’s a smart investment for churches:(https://
– Minimal Maintenance: Unlike mulch, which requires frequent raking, refilling, and replacement, FallZone Poured-in-Place is virtually maintenance-free. Routine cleaning with a broom, leaf blower, or occasional wash with mild cleaner keeps it in top condition. This reduces long-term labor and material costs.
– Exceptional Longevity: With a lifespan exceeding 15 years, FallZone Poured-in-Place outlasts mulch, which often needs replacement every 1–2 years. Its durable TPV wear layer resists wear from heavy foot traffic and environmental elements, ensuring lasting performance.
– Cost Savings Over Time: The reduced need for maintenance and replacement translates to significant savings. For example, municipalities like Chicago have reported 40% long-term savings with unitary surfaces like FallZone compared to loose-fill materials.
– Enhanced Aesthetics and Community Appeal: The customizable colors and designs of FallZone Poured-in-Place create inviting, vibrant playgrounds that attract families and enhance the church’s role as a community hub. A well-maintained, attractive playground can also boost engagement and attendance. (https://
– Eco-Friendly Choice: Made with recycled materials, FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surfacing supports churches’ commitment to environmental stewardship while providing a safe play surface.
Real-World Impact: Churches Embracing FallZone
Churches across the country are already reaping the benefits of FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surfacing. For instance, a daycare in New Jersey replaced its mulch with FallZone surfacing and reported faster installation, happier children, and a safer play environment. The seamless surface allowed the playground to reopen quickly, minimizing disruption. Similarly, the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, while not a church, showcases the versatility of FallZone Poured-in-Place in high-traffic environments, a testament to its reliability for community spaces like church playgrounds. (https://
Making the Switch: How Churches Can Get Started
For churches considering an upgrade, [FallZone Safety Surfacing (https://
To get started, churches can contact FallZone at 1-888-808-1587 or visit their website to request a consultation. The investment in FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surfacing not only enhances child safety but also demonstrates a church’s commitment to fostering a welcoming, family-friendly environment for generations to come.
The shift from mulch to FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surfacing (https://
Contact Your FallZone Surfacing Specialist Today For More Information
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