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Shock Absorbent Artificial Turf Makes Playgrounds Safer

ShockAbsorbentArtificialTurfMakesPlaygroundsSafer.jpgIn years past, artificial turf was once blamed for injuries related to tripping or shoes getting caught up in the turf. Advancement in the manufacturing of the turf has changed all that. Today's turf does not pose the same problems or have the same risks as it did many years ago. New technology has allowed manufacturers to fine tune their product making it look and feel more like natural grass than ever before. Whether the turf is going to be used for a public playground or a recreational area for a home, the right type of infill should be used to increase the turf's ability to absorb shock as well as reduce the risk of tripping or falling.



Increased Cushion


The first few versions of artificial turf had limited options when it came to infill, making it rigid and compact. Today, mixtures of different materials are offering solutions to many issues that synthetic turf was once known for. Crumb rubber, for example, is frequently used as infill in playground areas because it does not become compacted when high levels of foot traffic. Because rubber is extremely resilient, it adds more cushion and give as children constantly run to and fro across the surface of the playground. It adds a bit of buoyancy as the kids run, jump and play that they may not have when running on a natural grass/dirt surface.



More Support


Artificial turf also adds more support. Instead of allowing a foot to slip across the surface, synthetic grass allows just enough support for the foot to remain in place as a child runs or pivots to turn. It doesn't grip or stick to the foot, but allows it to move in a more natural fashion, much like grass but without the moisture that might cause a person to slip, twist their ankle or hyperflex their knee. The support it provides allows for increased agility and better accuracy when running, jumping or walking.



Absorbs the Shock from Falls


Falling from a piece of playground equipment is frightening for a small child. Although landing on artificial turf is still quite hard, the infill will absorb much of the impact. This can reduce the severity of any injuries that are received and lessen the jarring that often makes the whole body sore. Crumb rubber infill and mixtures of sand and silica are often used to support the blades of grass and protect the mesh fabric underneath. Many artificial turf manufacturers have researched the bounce and buoyancy of different combinations of materials to find out which is better able to absorb the shock of falls and hard landings.



Helps with Drainage


Infill materials that absorb shock are also better at helping with drainage. In the past, certain types of infill were known to become tightly compacted. Once this occurred, the ground was more like cement that natural grass and dirt and did not absorb much shock at all. Now with the new types of sand, crumb rubber and pea gravel/sand combinations, the infill is less likely to become compressed improving how it absorbs shock and allowing water to drain away quickly and efficiently.


The ability to absorb the shock of a fall can mean the difference between a bruise and a broken bone. Artificial turf is by no means soft, but with the right type of infill, it can be less traumatizing than a natural grass surface. Many playgrounds use additional infill to increase the turf's ability to absorb shock and prevent serious injury. Sand and silica mixes are easily carried or blown away with heavy levels of foot traffic. Occasionally adding more infill can restore what has been lost and help to improve the shock absorbency of the turf.residential recreation artificial turf

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