Playgrounds

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.