Think about the playgrounds we enjoyed as children. Concrete flooring, metal bars and dangerous equipment didn’t stop us from having fun, though they were definitely something of a health and safety hazard!
Today’s playgrounds are built with far more consideration. They are safer, much more sustainable and are a rare and dedicated place for active, technology-free play. Outdoor play spaces, like public parks, help develop children’s social skills, forge friendships, and hone important physical attributes like gross motor skills.
However, the number of public playgrounds in the UK is declining at an alarming rate, with many children unable to access the facilities they need. By making sustainability a cornerstone when designing parks, we ensure children have access to the places they need and foster environmental consciousness. Outdoor play teaches children the value of spending time in nature – young minds are taught to be inquisitive, mud and all! Using natural materials in playground design provides a tactile, sensory experience, and teaches children about the world around them.
Use of sustainably sourced timber from well-managed forests with FSC® or PEFC accreditations means that playground favourites like climbing frames can be built to last with a minimal impact on the planet.
From a safety perspective, sustainable flooring materials like wood chips have been used in playgrounds for many years, creating a softer, safer surface. However, this isn’t particularly accessible for wheelchair users. At Playdale, we use recycled rubber mulch to create flooring that’s sustainable, safe and wheelchair-friendly.
Sustainable materials is the obvious answer, but this may not always be possible. We ask ourselves about the emissions attached to a playground install: packaging products efficiently, limiting waste, using locally based installation teams and minimising the use of on-site machinery all help make playground installations more sustainable.
We have consistently increased the percentage of our waste that gets recycled. I’m proud to say we’re now a zero-waste-to-landfill company, and have increased the amount we recycle by over 400 per cent.
Park budgets have been slashed repeatedly, so schools and local councils need to get plenty of bang for their buck. Park budgets fell by £350m between 2012 and 2023, so there’s less funding to go round and build lifespan is more vital than ever.
Sustainable timber and stainless steel age gracefully and retain their look and feel for many years. Little maintenance is required versus painted metal alternatives, which can chip and peel with exposure to the elements – meaning lower overall costs over the playground’s lifespan.
Housing developers and other private park builders are also increasingly prioritising sustainability. These companies typically have strong sustainability goals and are conscious of the benefits of positive local impact, from both a community and environmental standpoint.
The future of playground sustainability holds promise as manufacturers in the play industry increasingly focus on sourcing sustainable materials.This shift towards eco-friendly practices is a significant stride towards fortifying playground sustainability globally.
