2019, loose rubber mulch
Have you thought of using rubber mulch for your playground surfacing?
No Fault Rubber Mulch is an environmentally sustainable and non-toxic loose fill playground surface.
It is also clean, attractive, and doesn’t have an unpleasant smell.
Rubber mulch is safe both for the environment and for use as a playground surface
How do we know? Well, the research continues; the Environmental Protection Agency, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are currently involved in a comprehensive, multi-year crumb rubber study. But the EPA, in the past, has conducted studies on playgrounds and concluded that recycled rubber products (such as rubber mulch) are non-hazardous and environmentally safe.
There are multiple studies which found that there are no adverse human or ecological health effects from the use of rubber mulch. In fact, as many as 100 state-level studies reached the same conclusion: Recycled rubber poses no significant health or environmental risk.
Tires used for playground safety surfacing undergo an extensive sieve process to remove fibers and are then sent through a conveyor belt to have any metals removed by powerful magnets and vacuums. This is an exacting process designed to meet rigorous ASTM specifications. The recycled rubber mulch is continuously tested to maintain a high level of quality and trust.
Then (of course) there is the environmental benefit: Every year, rubber recycling diverts roughly 300 million used tires from landfills. It also conserves billions of gallons of water by reducing the need to irrigate and avoids the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
But … It’s Not Natural!
No Fault Rubber Mulch is an environmentally sustainable product that is non-toxic, organically colored with UV protectors, available in many color options, and is guaranteed not to fade.
Unlike traditional wood chips, rubber mulch does not create dust, decompose, rot, absorb water, displace, or attract insects. Splinters, mold, and susceptibility to freezing are all factors that can hinder the performance of wood mulch. Also, some wood mulch has been treated with chemicals like toxic chromated copper arsenate (also called CCA) to make it more resistant to pests and decay. Talk about yucky!
Rubber Mulch Keeps Little Noggins Safe
Not only is rubber mulch good for the environment, it also makes falls and tumbles on the playground a lot less scary.
According to Safekids.org, falls are the most common type of playground injury, accounting for more than 75 percent of all playground-related injuries. Head traumas, the most dangerous type of playground injury, are frequently caused by falling on an unprotected surface.
Rubber mulch is far more effective in preventing serious head injury compared to “natural” surfacing options (such as pea gravel, sand and wood chips). Things like grass, dirt, and asphalt don’t have the impact-absorbing characteristics to be considered safe for playground use, either.
Our rubber mulch product is ASTM F-1292 compliant, which means it offers superior protection against head injuries.
Other Benefits
Rubber mulch for playgrounds makes an ideal, safe surface for commercial and backyard playgrounds. It also creates surfacing for walkways and is a beautiful complement to landscaping features.
Due to its longevity and low maintenance requirements, rubber mulch is also cost efficient in comparison to other rubber safety surfaces.
Let’s Talk Mulch!
At No Fault, each of our safety surfaces are designed with the health and safety of children in mind. That’s why we can say with complete confidence that, yes, rubber mulch is safe, both for the environment and our kids. Contact a Regional Sales Associate today, and we’ll talk with you about rubber mulch and your vision for your playground.
2019, bonded rubber mulch, safety surface, safety tiles
Should kids be allowed inside dog parks?
The answer to that question is “yes”, if the dog park has a separate playground area designed for children’s play.
Of course, exceptions are made for service/assistance dogs. Some municipal parks or private playgrounds will allow dogs in the same areas where kids are playing, provided they are well-behaved and the owners pick up the dog’s mess.
At No Fault, we are noticing that some dog parks are now adding children’s playgrounds to the park design, and we think it is a great idea! In 2019, we installed our No Fault Safety Surface for a new playground at Keysville Dog Park in the City of Deltona, Florida. Our customer wanted a colorful and accessible playground that all children could enjoy. Mark Manning, Assistant Director for Parks & Recreation, said they were very happy with the finished playground product, and planned to make our color scheme a “standard playground design” for all the park playgrounds in Deltona. So now, the whole family (parents, children, and their dogs) can enjoy a day at their local dog park!
Photos of the playground at Keysville Dog Park, Deltona, Florida:
Benefits of Dog Parks
If your community does not have a dog park, you may not know that they have become very common. The American Veterinary Medical Association says more than a third of all U.S. households have one or more dogs. As leash laws get more and more restrictive, those dog owners are working with community parks and recreation departments to give their dogs places to roam free.
While any park that allows dogs could be called a dog park, a true “dog park” has specific canine-friendly amenities designed to encourage off-leash cavorting. These might include double gates which allow dogs to enter and exit safely. There might be separate areas for large and small dogs to exercise and socialize. And of course, dog waste stations which are “must-haves” for keeping the park clean.
Public dog parks allow off-leash exercise and social activity with other dogs. When dogs get physical exercise and social interaction, the owners notice improvements in their pets’ behavior, mood, and health.
It’s great to be able to bring both children and their dogs to enjoy a day at the park together!
Dog Parks – Are They Safe For Kids?
Dog parks promote safety because the dogs are not running and tussling throughout the streets. There is always the risk of small fights or play becomes too rough among pups, so introducing children into the mix is something that should be done with care and caution.
The nice thing about having a playground within a dog park is that you can keep your eye on both your child and your canine “child” while they enjoy their playtime in separated areas!
If your child happens to venture into the dog park area, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Dogs can be spooked by small children. Never assume that it is okay for your child to “pet the doggy.”
- Herding dogs, in particular, often have a desire to herd small children. That’s another reason to keep your child near you. You don’t want a 60-lb collie body-checking your toddler just because he wandered too far away from you!
- Small children make funny noises and sometimes move in a jerky, uncertain manner. This can frighten dogs. Be mindful of any behavior in your child that can be seen as threatening towards the animals for the protection of both your child and the dog.
Tips for Dog Owners
If you are taking your dog to a dog park where children may be present, here are a few things to remember:
Take the leash off in the park. New dog owners often prefer to keep their dog on a leash. They think it’ll be easier to control their dog. However, there are a few reasons this is a bad idea in a dog park, especially with children around. These reasons include:
- A leashed dog is a tripping hazard for children.
- Dogs on leashes can feel more insecure and protective of their owner.
- Retractable leashes (which trainers don’t recommend) are especially dangerous, since a dog who feels unrestrained can injure itself.
- A choke chain, gentle leader, or harness can mean injuries or even an escalated dog fight if the dogs get tangled together.
Exercise your dog before you leave home. Here’s something to remember ESPECIALLY if children are around. You may take your dog to the park for exercise, but dedicated dog parks are more for socialization. If your dog has been pent up for hours, suddenly introducing him or her into a stimulating environment is asking for trouble.
So, before you head to the dog park, let them romp for a few minutes in the yard first!
No Fault can help you design your park/dog park playground!
Our Regional Account Managers are great at designing colorful park playground areas that are accessible to all children to meet your needs/theme. And we work with playground equipment Reps all throughout the United States who provide state-of-the art and inclusive play equipment to complement our rubber safety surfacing. Contact us today so we can assist you in creating the perfect play area within your local park and/or dog park.
