Artificial turf is quickly becoming the number one choice for playgrounds and play areas across the US. Why you ask? Well, it is widely known that traditional grass is challenging to maintain, particularly on playgrounds where you can't make one quick pass with a lawnmower. Shawgrass is here to help you understand why making the switch from regular grass to artificial grass for playgrounds is a great investment. 

Artificial Grass Playground Benefits

To understand why artificial grass is so popular today, it’s important to look at the top benefits of installing a synthetic play surface.

Increased Safety

It's a common misconception that synthetic grass could cut, burn or scrape the skin if a child falls on the surface. Shawgrass blades are engineered to be soft and nonabrasive. Our playground turf is designed for high-use play areas and offers the best in durability and return on investment. Shawgrass is IPEMA-Certified and ADA accessible. This unique turf system is designed with thick padding to lessen the impact of falls. 

Plus, artificial grass products are free from chemicals like fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. These harsh chemicals can be absorbed into clothes and skin long after your child is done playing. Shawgrass is also anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, making it impervious to molds and fungi, which can cause allergy problems in some children.

Highly Durable

Fake grass is the perfect choice for high foot traffic areas such as playgrounds because it is highly durable. Although, no two synthetic surfaces are the same. Shawgrass products are designed and developed by the same research and development team responsible for the world-class athletic fields created by Shaw Sports Turf. While the initial investment is higher than natural grass, you will recoup your investment quickly thanks to reduced maintenance costs. 

Kids will love it just as much as parents will love the lack of mess. Artificial grass is soft, clean, and since it’s unattractive to bugs,it’s much more inviting than a natural grass surface. Also, rainy days won't create muddy spots with all of its problems of mud and sun-baked dirt patches. You don't have to worry about storm run-off exposing play areas to chemicals. This is why many parks and municipalities, schools, and daycares have chosen to install turf.

Better Comfort

The Shawgrass Research and Development Center is at the forefront of making better performing, safer, and more comfortable synthetic turf. Our products feature grass blades that are soft and gentle on the skin, giving it a more comfortable feel underfoot than other synthetic grasses. Children will love to kick their shoes off and roll around on our grass.

Shawgrass products are also cooler, thanks to innovative technology like HydroChill, designed to keep you comfortable, even in extreme heat. HydroChill is a patented technology developed and vetted through years of research in both a laboratory and a real-world setting. This precoat is applied to the sand infill and activated by adding moisture (rain or a quick sprinkle from the hose) to provide significant cooling for days, depending on local conditions.

Styling Artificial Turf Playgrounds

If you’re looking to create an amazing playground with top-notch safety, we have a few ideas to help you get started with your planning. 

Pick A Theme

Start by choosing an appropriate theme for your playground. Think of things like pirate ships, space ships, forest or jungle-inspired, or castles. You can search online for themes that are a kit with the kids. You may have to mix and match different playground elements to find your ideal vision, but it will be well worth it in the end. 

Design For Growth

Kids don’t stay small for long, so including different equipment, so children can grow and still enjoy the play area will help you win over the older crowd too. Including a  few key elements like swing sets varying in size and dedicating different parts of the play area to accommodate different age groups will serve you well. 

Plant Trees 

When you get rid of natural grass, you may think you can’t grow anything else in the area, but that’s a myth! You can still plant trees, privacy hedges, and other plants. Your professional turf installer will be sure to cut spaces in the artificial turf so you can incorporate shade-giving plants. Just be mindful of where you plant trees because if they are too close to the playground, they can pose a safety hazard due to fallen branches.

Add Lighting

Although playgrounds are typically closed after dark, it’s still a good idea to add lighting for security, and it can serve as a design focal point. Strategically-placed bulbs that produce lights and shadows can really brighten up an area. If you choose to install ground lighting, you should always select LED lighting because they emit less heat, making them perfect for artificial grass.

Playground Safety

Whether in the backyard or a commercial area, the number one priority of playgrounds should be safety. Fake grass on playgrounds provides a softer space for kids to jump from swings or dive to catch a ball. Here are some key elements that make artificial turf the best choice.

• It’s Safe - Even if a child ends up falling face-first to the ground, they won’t have any more damage than they would from natural grass. 

• It Won’t Pull Up - When installed correctly, the turf seams won’t cause a tripping hazard.

• It’s Padded - If children do fall, the IPEMA-Certified padding under turf will protect them from serious injury. 

• It’s Clean - If kids spill a drink or have an accident, artificial turf can be easily cleaned with water and gentle cleaner if needed.

Let Us Help With Your Playground

If you’re ready to create a beautiful playground, Shawgrass is prepared to help. Our grass professionals have installed many playgrounds across the country. Contact us today for a free consultation!