Why they are interchangeable
There is a need to shed some light on a common problem: displacement of loose-fill surfacing in high-traffic areas of a playground like under swings and slides. To illustrate the multiplicity of the language used to describe the problem as well as the solution, here is a matching game with some of the words used to describe the problem to be matched with a possible corresponding solution. Hint: don’t overthink it.
How did you do with your matching skills? Are you wondering if there is a key somewhere that provides solid answers to this little game? Well, you won’t find one, and that’s the point. The solution known by a variety of names;
- Impact Mats
- Divot Pads
- Wear Mats
- Displacement Mats
...is driven by the need of playground owners looking for answers to a common safety issue and maintenance problem also known by a variety of names:
- Kick-Out Areas
- High Traffic Zones
- Divots
- Surfacing Displacement.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC, installing playground equipment over hard surfaces, such as asphalt, concrete, or hard-packed earth has always been the number one no-no of playground installation due to the large number of reported injuries from falls to hard surfaces. The CPSC addresses the issue of loose-fill surfacing and its tendency to become displaced under and around areas of high use in the new 2008 edition of Publication 325, CPSC §2.4.2.2. It suggests that playgrounds installed over hard surfaces can still use loose-fill surfacing materials if a 3- to 6-inch base layer of loose-fill (e.g., gravel for drainage) is installed over the top of the hard surface (remember to account for the change in elevation for the installation of the entire playground). The CPSC then directs installers to top the gravel with a layer of weed barrier—geotextile cloth; then to place the loose-fill material as per the specifications for loose-fill safety surfacing under and around playground equipment (refer to ASTM).
Here is the interesting part. The CPSC now recommends embedding into the loose-fill layer impact attenuating mats under high-traffic areas, such as under swings, at slide exits, and in other places where displacement is likely (See Figure 1). The CPSC further recommends that older playgrounds that still exist on hard surfacing should be modified using this formula.
So there you have it. By whatever name, wear mats, divot pads, etc. have the blessing of the CPSC for their ability to potentially prevent an injury from a fall to the surface below. Simply follow the installation instructions provided by the supplier of your impact mat product, divot pad, wear mat . . . you get the idea, and you’ll have an inexpensive and attractive way to keep loose-fill material from traveling away from high-traffic zones where it is needed most.
