Gone are the days of the basic playground made from some variation of plastics, metal or wood. Today’s playgrounds are far more advanced and the surfaces on which they are erected have followed suit.

Within this emergent field of playgrounds, playground fiber mulch has become a time tested and effective manner in addressing impact reductions (which is the technical term for skinned knees!). What also makes the fiber we use unique is that it is also durable enough to accommodate wheelchair traffic. It’s important to note that the mulch you may use at your home, while similar to, is notably different than playground fiber. When trying to understand the difference, it is best to remember the targeted demographic for whom playground fiber has been engineered: children at play. Playgrounds are an area where kids can unabashedly run amok.

Playground fiber provides a malleable surface for children to move around and fall upon. With larger fibers, it cushions the impact when children come in contact with the ground — be it feet first, or head first. Imagine being able to fall in a combination of Styrofoam packing peanuts (except the wood fibers are ecologically responsible) and soft sand. These fibers are durable enough to repeatedly reduce the concussive force, and soft enough to reasonably bring the child to rest safely. The good news is, playground fiber may provide more play time, which hopefully translates into a longer naptime.

Going to the playground is a part of childhood, and no child should be denied this simple pleasure. As playgrounds are updated, this belief is at the core of many of the design aspects. Many playscapes are now designed so that a wheelchair can travel on top of, and within, the structure itself. It is paramount that the surface surrounding the playscape allows for a wheelchair to navigate the space. Playground fiber ensures that every child, with any array of mobility concerns, can enjoy the pleasures only childhood affords.

How do you achieve the earlier objectives, and allot for the certainty that children will still be safe while physically immersed in your product? Simple — ensure what you apply is in its most natural state. Playground fiber is void of additives. It is virgin hardwood fiber, so unlike rubbers or plastics, this removes any concerns with regards to chemical additives. While this product breaks down naturally, it is extremely durable, ensuring months of use while still providing the same durability and safety that inspired you to use it in the first place.

Now that you have a better understanding of what playground fiber is, and how it may add to the enjoyment of a playground, grab the kids and head down to the park. The real added value is when they actually take that afternoon nap.