Illinois Child Care Center Replaces Unsafe Playground with FallZone Poured-in-Place Playground Surfacing
At FallZone Safety Surfacing, we believe every child deserves a safe, vibrant, and engaging place to play. Recently, we had the privilege of renovating a childcare center playground in Illinois, replacing outdated, unsafe playground tiles with our state-of-the-art FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surfacing. This project not only enhanced safety and durability but also brought a burst of color and creative design to the play area, making it a long-term solution for the center. Here’s how we transformed this playground into a safer, more inclusive, and visually appealing space for children.
The Challenge: Outdated and Unsafe Playground Tiles
The childcare center’s existing playground was covered with old rubber tiles that had seen better days. Cracked, faded, and uneven, these tiles posed significant safety risks, failing to meet modern safety standards like ASTM F1292 for impact attenuation. The worn surfaces increased the likelihood of trips, falls, and injuries, especially for young children. Additionally, the tiles were not ADA-compliant, limiting accessibility for children with mobility challenges. The center needed a solution that would prioritize safety, durability, and inclusivity while adding a fun, inviting aesthetic to encourage imaginative play.
Our team at FallZone recommended our FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surfacing, a premium, unitary playground surface known for its safety, durability, and design flexibility. Unlike the old tiles, FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surface consists of two layers: a cushioned base layer of recycled rubber for impact absorption and a vibrant top layer of TPV granules for durability and aesthetics. This system is engineered to exceed CPSC, and ASTM safety standards, providing critical fall height protection up to 10 feet or more, making it ideal for the childcare center’s play structures.
Incorporating Vibrant Colors and Creative Designs
One of the standout features of FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surface is its ability to transform a playground into a visually stimulating environment through customizable colors and designs. Working closely with the childcare center, we designed a surface that was both functional and fun, incorporating multiple colors to create an engaging play space. The seamless, smooth surface ensured ADA compliance, making the playground accessible to children of all abilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility aids. The result was a vibrant, inclusive play area that invites exploration and imagination.
– Enhanced Safety: The dual-layer FallZone Poured-in-Place playground surface system provides exceptional shock absorption, significantly reducing the risk of head injuries from falls, which account for nearly 80% of playground injuries. It meets Illinois’ strict safety requirements, including CPSC guidelines and fall zone regulations, ensuring a safe environment for children aged 2–12. – Unmatched Durability: Unlike tiles that crack and fade, FallZone Poured-in-Place surfacing is UV-resistant, weather-resistant, and designed to withstand heavy foot traffic. With a lifespan of 10–15 years and minimal maintenance (occasional cleaning with a blower or mild detergent), it’s a cost-effective long-term investment. – Low Maintenance: The seamless design prevents debris from getting trapped, unlike tiles or loose-fill surfaces, making it easier to keep clean and safe. This is especially important for a childcare center with high daily use. – Eco-Friendly: Made with recycled rubber and non-toxic binders, FallZone Poured-in-Place surfacing is an environmentally responsible choice that aligns with the center’s commitment to sustainability.
The Impact: A Safer, More Engaging Playground
Since the renovation, the childcare center has reported overwhelmingly positive feedback from staff, parents, and, most importantly, the children. The vibrant, colorful surface has become a focal point of the playground, encouraging active play and creativity. Parents appreciate the enhanced safety and accessibility, knowing their children are playing on a surface designed to protect them. Staff have noted how easy it is to maintain the playground, allowing them to focus on supervising the children rather than repairing surfaces.
The project also complied with Illinois’ playground safety regulations, including proper fall zones (extending 6 feet around stationary equipment and twice the height of swing bars) and the use of FallZone shock-absorbing materials, ensuring the center passed its safety inspections with flying colors.
Partner with FallZone for Your Playground Renovation
At FallZone Safety Surfacing, we’re passionate about creating safe, beautiful, and inclusive playgrounds that inspire joy and protect children. Our FallZone Poured-in-Place surfacing is the ideal solution for childcare centers, schools, and parks looking to upgrade outdated or unsafe surfaces. Whether you’re in Illinois or beyond, our team is ready to design a custom playground that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
