When you think of playground safety, you probably picture the sturdy slides and well-maintained swings. But did you know that one of the biggest protectors of children at play is the ground beneath them? Wood chips might seem like a simple choice, but there’s more to these seemingly plain playground surfaces than meets the eye.
Why do playgrounds use wood chips? It turns out they play a crucial role in minimizing injuries and keeping playgrounds safe. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the reasons why wood chips are a go-to surface for playgrounds, their safety benefits, and what you should look for to ensure they’re up to par.
What Makes Wood Chips a Top Choice for Playgrounds?
Wood chips, or engineered wood fiber (EWF), are a popular choice for playground surfaces for one major reason: impact absorption. When children play, falls are inevitable. Wood chips provide a cushion that can help reduce the risk of serious injury, particularly from falls off equipment like jungle gyms or swings. Here’s why they are so effective:
Shock Absorption: When installed to the proper depth, wood chips compress on impact, helping to reduce the force on a child’s body. This protection is especially crucial for preventing head injuries.
Cost-Effective: Wood chips are much more affordable than other playground surfacing options like rubber mats or poured-in-place rubber. For large playground areas, this can be a budget-friendly yet effective choice.
Natural Aesthetic: Playgrounds in parks or natural settings often choose wood chips because they blend in with the surrounding environment, offering a more natural look.
Easy to Maintain: Wood chips are relatively low maintenance. While they do need to be topped up periodically to maintain the proper depth, they don’t require specialized tools or labor to manage.
Learn more about the benefits of playground engineered wood fiber chips for playground safety.
How Do You Know If Wood Chips Are Safe?
Not all wood chips are created equal! If you’re a parent or playground designer, it’s important to ensure the wood chips on the playground meet safety standards. Here are some tips to know if the playground is using the right kind of wood chips:
Depth Matters: The wood chips should be spread at least 9 to 12 inches deep to provide adequate shock absorption. Anything less, and the surface won’t cushion falls as effectively.
Check for Certification: Make sure the wood chips are certified as engineered wood fiber (EWF), specifically designed for playground use. Regular wood chips may not have the same shock-absorbing qualities.
Regular Replenishment: Wood chips tend to compact over time, which can reduce their effectiveness. Check to see if the playground is regularly replenishing and maintaining the wood chips.
Look for Foreign Objects: Ensure there are no sharp objects or debris mixed in with the wood chips, which could pose additional risks to children.
Find more tips on maintaining playground surfaces in our playground safety checklist.
The Hidden Dangers of Not Maintaining Playground Wood Chips
Although wood chips are a great safety feature, they require proper installation and regular upkeep. What happens if the chips aren’t maintained?
Inadequate Depth: If the wood chips have compacted or haven’t been replenished, they lose their shock-absorbing ability. A shallow layer of wood chips offers little protection in the event of a fall.
Foreign Debris: Over time, playground wood chips can accumulate trash, glass, or other sharp objects, creating hidden dangers for children.
Tripping Hazards: Uneven distribution of wood chips can lead to tripping hazards. It’s essential to rake and level the surface to prevent falls caused by the surface itself.
What Should Parents and Playground Designers Do?
Parents and designers need to stay proactive when it comes to playground safety. Here are a few key actions you can take:
Ensure Regular Maintenance: Ask playground officials about their maintenance schedule. Wood chips need to be replenished and raked periodically to stay effective.
Choose the Right Material: If you’re involved in designing a playground, be sure to choose engineered wood fiber (EWF) certified for playground use to ensure maximum safety.
Inspect the Playground: Before letting your kids loose on the playground, take a quick look at the wood chip surface. Is it deep enough? Evenly spread? Free of debris? A quick check can help prevent accidents.
For more detailed recommendations, check out our playground safety surfacing page.
Keep Playgrounds Safe with Professional Inspections
Want peace of mind that your local playground is truly safe? A professional playground inspection can ensure the surface materials, including wood chips, meet critical safety standards like ASTM F1292. At Playground Safety Inspections, we specialize in evaluating playground surfaces to keep children safe. Our certified inspectors will assess the depth and quality of the wood chips, along with the condition of all other safety features, ensuring your playground is a safe place for fun.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and make sure your playground meets the highest safety standards!
