There are a number of priorities that home or property owners may have for their landscaping needs, and one common such desire in locations where children are regularly present is a play space of some sort. Whether we’re talking about a smaller sandbox or something more significant like a jungle gym, swing set or related option, considering the proper landscaping materials is often quite helpful here.
At BioGrass Sod Farms, we’re here to help with all your landscaping product needs in Salt Lake City, including many options ideal for scenarios like these – playground sand, pea gravel and many others. Here are some basics on designing a play space within your landscape, from some general concepts to consider to some specific materials that often do well in these locations.
Determining Play Space Size and Features
From a planning standpoint, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is how large your play space will be. This can depend on a variety of factors, from available yard space to intended usage and more; some homeowners may have enough space for multiple features in their play area, while others will simply be looking for the most efficient use of their limited real estate.
In addition, consider what kind of play space you want to create. You can choose between a single focal point that serves as the main attraction, or a variety of different options that appeal to a range of ages and interests. For instance, some homeowners might opt for an elaborate jungle gym with multiple levels and features, while others may prefer a simple sandbox and swing set combo.
Value of Natural Materials
There are several ways that the use of natural materials can add value to your play space, and they’re worth considering as you make decisions in this realm. For one, many are great at blending into existing landscapes and avoiding any aesthetic clashes – something that’s especially important if your yard has a more organic or rustic feel overall.
Natural landscaping materials also tend to be safer for children than other options – items like gravel or sand are soft and flexible enough to soften falls, making them ideal for play spaces. They also allow for natural drainage, preventing the buildup of moisture that can contribute to hazards or messes.
Important Materials
There are a few materials in particular that tend to be popular for playgrounds and other outdoor play spaces:
- Playground Sand: Ideal as we noted above because of its softness and ability to prevent moisture buildup, playground sand is a great option for most play setups. It’s also clean and completely non-toxic, making it ideal for children.
- Pea Gravel: Another material that’s soft and easy on the body, pea gravel is great for use in climbing areas or other locations with potential falls. It also provides excellent drainage, and is soft and cushioned enough to provide support for flailing child bodies.
- Squeegee: Squeegee refers to a smooth surface that’s made out of crushed stone, one that can withstand heavy foot traffic – but still provide a shock-absorbing property. A squeegee surface is great for use under and around play equipment – it enhances safety and minimizes maintenance.
- Fertilized Soil: Some homeowners may choose to create a more natural, grassy area behind the play space itself, which may include fertilized soil that’s ideal for growing options like soft grasses that help to prevent slips and falls. Other options include wood chips or bark, which can both provide a soft surface under play equipment.
Importance of Cushioning
We’ve alluded to cushioning a couple times here, and it’s a key concept for any play space. Children are naturally less inhibited when playing, often leading to falls or trips – that’s where these cushioning materials come into play. They prevent serious injuries and also reduce the risk of scrapes and bruises.
Material selection is important here, but so is proper placement. You need to be thinking about not only the play area itself, but also any adjacent areas where kids might be running around (or out of control) during play. A perimeter of cushioning can help reduce the risk of accidents in these spaces.
Maintenance Considerations
Once you’ve selected and installed your landscaping materials for your play space, it’s important to keep up with maintenance as well. Regularly inspect the area for any signs of wear and tear or potential hazards, such as loose parts or debris. Keep in mind that some materials may require more upkeep than others – playground sand will need to be raked regularly to maintain a smooth surface, for example.
By following these basic guidelines and working with quality products from BioGrass Sod Farms, your play space can be a staple for outdoor fun and recreation for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about any of our products or services, or to speak to one of our experts about your landscape goals around Salt Lake City.