Recycled rubber mulch is becoming more popular to use as the surface below and around playgrounds.
It’s a nice product. A good use for old shoe soles.
It’s safer for kids to fall on, no scratches or bruises. Also, depending on the depth, can absorb more of an impact from a child jumping off the playlet.
It all sounds great! But there is a problem.
Children get used to this additional bit of safety, and then when they go play on a traditional playground (with small rocks, or even nothing at all) they are accustomed to the added protection of rubber.
They think they can safely jump from a certain height, when they can, in fact, not. The extra protection on one playground is offset by the increased injuries at a traditional one.
Sometimes by helping our kids, we are actually hurting them.