Surfacing
Whatever surface is selected it is important that it caters for several functions. To act as a safety surface, enable all users to move round the area easily and not cause problems with slipping or trips. Surfacing can be used as an extra play element – giving sensory or educational value. Indeed a mixture of different surfaces can be used to promote sensory skills and act as guides for changes in areas (whether it is age groups, types of equipment etc) or to highlight pathways between equipment or play zones.
- Suitable for pushchairs/wheelchairs
- Highlight pathways etc
- Use of different texture and colours to add sensory element – but not too many as this can cause confusion
- Avoidance of uneven surfaces
- Deep sand pits will exclude many users – best to use sand in one area, not for the whole site