By embracing innovative materials that offer similar benefits to traditional sand, we can create safer and more sustainable outdoor play spaces. These alternative materials not only address concerns about allergies and safety hazards but also provide opportunities for creativity and imaginative play.

Some of the most common types of sand used in construction include concrete sand, masonry sand, plaster sand, play sand, beach sand, filter sand, and golf course sand. Other types of sand, such as arena sand, marble sand, black sand, and white sand, are also used in specific applications, such as landscaping and gardening, equestrian facilities ...

Common playground materials include rubber mulch, sand, wood chips, artificial grass, poured-in-place rubber, natural grass, pea gravel, and foam tiles. Each material has its benefits and is chosen based on safety, maintenance, and cost.

In order to ensure these materials provide any type of fall protection, the recommendation is to have at least twelve inch depth at all times. Also, be warned, some sand can contain harmful materials. In order to avoid this, purchase only sand or pea gravel specifically made for playgrounds.

Sand is deemed an appropriate surface for playgrounds by the American Society of Testing and Materials if you layer the sand to a depth of about 12 inches however, there are various pros and cons of sand safety. To ensure sand offers proper fall protection for children, the National Safety Council (NSC) recommends maintaining a 12-inch depth in ...