Rubber Mulch also great for landscaping. Playground : Recommended Depth:  3-4 inches depending on Equipment Fall Height.  Playgrounds can be dangerous places. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) stated that "protective surfacing for playgrounds is the most critical safety factor because approximately 75% of children's injuries are caused by falls." Rubber mulch provides that soft landing pad for kids. In fact, it exceeds CPSC guidelines for safety and resiliency. This loose-fill material creates a surface air cushion that will actually absorb impact and rebound quickly. Rubber mulch is heavier than water therefore it won't blow or wash away. Maintenance is also easy. It can be leveled with a common yard rake, and washed by simply hosing it off. It drains so well that even after a hard rain it is usually ready for play in less than 30 minutes! Woodplay Safety Is "Parent Reassuring" As a parent, you take every precaution for your child's safety. So do we. Our Certified Playground Safety Inspectors make sure our products are designed with the well-being of your child in mind. Woodplay protects your child and gives you peace of mind with these smart safety features in every playset. Safest Ladder Rungs are "steel strong" with a flat design for more surface area and sure-footed fun. Easy for little hands to grip, they feature a nonskid coating for safety when rain or dew may be present. Heavy-Duty Galvanized Hardware is commercial grade for amazing strength and longevity. Recessed Hardware and Acorn Bolt Caps prevent steel parts from posing a danger to hands, skin and clothing. Notched Angle Braces with wood-on-wood design reduce the load on hardware and add structural support. This original Woodplay feature is now an industry standard. Adjustable A-Frame allows level placement in your yard, despite uneven or irregular ground.   Wood Surfaces are safer because we plane our boards meticulously. We sand and round the edges to make doubly sure they are smooth to the touch. Water-based, non-toxic stain sealant by Superdeck™ provides a great-looking finish that is safe for kids and the environment. Optional safety rails, handgrips, handles and cushions provide extra protection and can be added to any playset.   Seven Tips for Keeping Your Playground Safe Your Woodplay play system is built for safety. You can help ensure the well-being of children with these common-sense safety guidelines. Provide Supervision. Watch children when they are playing. Adult supervision goes a long way toward preventing an accident or injury. Beware of potential hazards and be ready to assist if a child needs help. Know Appropriate Activity. Be aware of your child's ability. As a rule, equipment designed for children ages 5 and up is not suitable for younger children. Prevent Hazards. Make sure the play area is free of obstacles, such as toys or debris. Allow ample distance from landscaping and enough space to safely provide the full range of motion for swings. Perform Regular Inspections. Check your playset every few months. Make sure hardware is secure and surfaces are smooth. Openings should be smaller than 3.5" or larger than 9" to prevent potentially harmful traps in which a child could become stuck. Prepare the Ground. Falls to the ground account for almost 70 percent of playground injuries. Make sure you have a proper surface treatment with materials at the recommended depth to cushion falls. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends surfaces around playground equipment have at least 12 inches of wood chips, mulch, sand, or pea gravel, or mats made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like materials. The CPSC also recommends that protective surfacing should extend at least 6 feet in all directions from play equipment. For swings, surfacing should extend, in back and front, twice the height of the suspending bar. Know the Rules. Review your safety rules and good playground conduct with your child. For example: Kids should not push or shove others during play. Kids should never try risky or unsafe behavior or dare others to do the same. Kids should know which areas are "off limits." If a child meets the size restriction for the toddler area, he should not play in the older children's area. Older, larger children should not play in the toddler area and should always be careful around smaller children. Children should not play or linger in front of slide exits or climb up slides when others may be coming down. Children should understand the importance of alerting you when others play in an unsafe or dangerous manner. ("You're not being a tattle-tale... you're being safe!") Know Safe Clothing. Hooded sweatshirts or shirts with strings are extremely dangerous around playsets. Children should remove loose hanging strings, necklaces and earrings. Be especially careful in cooler weather to avoid dressing your child in clothes that may pose a risk of strangulation.