If your school still relies on wood mulch (engineered wood fiber) under play equipment, you’re probably topping it off constantly, raking it back into place, and worrying about compliance after every rainstorm. Many districts are switching to modern synthetic turf systems because they’re safer, more accessible, and, over the full life of the playground, more cost-effective than you might expect.
Loose-fill surfacing compresses by ~25% over time, shifts under swings and slide exits, and requires frequent maintenance to keep minimum depth and safety performance. Schools are advised to check it often, rake displaced areas back, and ensure continued ADA/ABA accessibility—especially in high-use zones. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Independent, multi-year field research funded by the U.S. Access Board found that sites with EWF had the greatest number of accessibility deficiencies within 12 months (undulation, excessive running/cross slope, and changes in level), while unitary surfaces (like rubber and hybrid systems with turf tops) generally required less work force to traverse for mobility devices. Access Board
Consistent safety performance
When paired with an appropriate pad and base, quality turf systems are designed to meet ASTM F1292 impact attenuation for fall protection at specified heights. (These are the same safety benchmarks referenced in federal guidance for play areas.) Access Board
Better day-to-day accessibility
ADA guidance emphasizes firm, stable routes to and around equipment. Turf systems that are installed and maintained correctly can be verified for wheelchair access using ASTM F1951 methods—so routes remain usable without the constant raking and re-leveling loose fill demands. Access Board
Lower lifetime upkeep
While loose fill is inexpensive up front, it must be topped off, regraded, and frequently inspected to stay compliant—costs that add up year after year. Authoritative safety guidance explicitly warns that loose-fill requires ongoing, frequent maintenance to maintain depth, drainage, and accessibility; in contrast, unitary surfaces (including turf systems) avoid regular replenishment and reduce closures after weather. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
(Planning tip: The Access Board notes that “surface cost…cannot serve as an indicator of performance,” so factor maintenance and accessibility over time when you compare bids.) Access Board
Turf provides a neat, green appearance all year and avoids the “bald spots” and migration you see with mulch. With proper grooming and debris removal, turf keeps its uniform look and accessible routes without weekly top-offs. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
We install Playground Grass systems engineered for schools and municipalities, designed to meet the safety and accessibility standards noted above when specified with the correct pad and base. Our playground turf is backed by a 15-year warranty, and many installations continue to perform well beyond that with routine care.
Bottom line: If you’re spending staff time and budget to keep wood mulch safe and accessible, a quality turf system can reduce maintenance burden, improve everyday access for all students, and deliver a cleaner, more durable play surface for the long term.