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PLAY G 10 U N DSA FETY <br /> SURFACESTUDES: <br /> WHAT TH E N U M MRS SAY <br /> While qualitative research and industry-recognized <br /> pros and cons of the different safety surfaces tell a <br /> compelling story, the numbers from playground safety <br /> surface studies also support the case for synthetic turf <br /> over loose-fill options and unitary rubber surfaces. <br /> London Playground Study <br /> A 2015 study compared London Playgrounds to those <br /> in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco . They <br /> compared grass, sand, rubber matting, and bark <br /> surfaces used in the London Playgrounds to Rubber <br /> Tile and Poured-in-Place Rubber Surfaces mainly used <br /> in the U.S. Playgrounds. The study concluded that <br /> "The U.S. seems to have reached 'peak safety' and has <br /> created a nation of overly expensive, homogeneously <br /> safe, and insidiously boring play spaces. The study <br /> also found that the comparative London vs. U.S. injury <br /> rates demonstrate that the "safer" U.S. spaces have <br /> unintended consequences. In pursuit of fun, children <br /> are using play structures in unintended w a/s often <br /> hurting themselves by falling on these surfaces that <br /> are too expensive to maintain." <br /> Key insights from the London Playground study: '' <br /> • Playgrounds are for Play: Everything on a <br /> playground should be playable, including <br /> surfaces. Fun should be prioritized over <br /> maintenance and being "seemingly" safe. <br /> • R isk is a Good Thing: The best playgrounds <br /> look dangerous but are completely safe, _ <br /> offering w a/s to play based on skill level, <br /> strength, and bravery. <br />