Are you considering constructing or purchasing a new playground for your home or community? There are many choices you’ll have to make, but one of the most important is deciding on the materials for the playground.
Plastic is the ideal choice over wood, steel, and other materials for playground equipment, and in our guide, we’ll explain the many benefits plastic playgrounds offer.
Sustainable Alternative
There’s no debate that plastic is the more environmentally friendly playground equipment solution compared to other materials, like natural wood or steel. Plastic playground equipment comes from recycled plastic that’s otherwise unusable and left to sit in a landfill for centuries.
Plastic playground equipment lessens the amount of plastic in our landfills and saves our natural resources, like trees. Plastic materials are the best option if you want to build a sustainable playground.
Safer
Obviously, the most important thing when considering playground equipment that children frequent is its safety. Playgrounds are outside, which means that the elements can damage them, exposing playground users to danger.
Playground equipment made of steel can bake in the sun and cause burns or make the playground virtually unusable. Plastic equipment won’t burn as hot, and since it’s more durable than wood, it’s much less likely to splinter or crack and expose dangerous wood fibers.
Pro-Tip
A playground’s surface is perhaps the most important safety feature—and rubber chips, mats, or synthetic turf is a safer and more comfortable option than sand or wood chips.
Durable
As we mentioned, plastic equipment is much more durable than other materials, like steel or wood, thanks to its synthetic makeup. Plastic is naturally water- and insect-resistant, so there’s no chance of splitting or cracking from water or pest infestations.
Plus, plastic isn’t susceptible to rust or corrosion if exposed to water like steel is. Plastic equipment is the best option if you want the playground to last for years.
Cost-Effective
Since plastic is more durable than wood and other materials, it also offers a better value for the buyer. Plastic playground equipment typically costs the same or less than natural wood or steel—and since it’ll last longer, it’s also the more cost-effective option in the long term.
Durability, affordability, sustainability, and safety—the benefits of plastic playground equipment for kids and parents are obvious!