Page 1 of 5
May 2009 - issue 8
No soft-fall surface is perfect but there is a strong case for
giving more consideration to the humble old bark chip, you
know...
There was a news article in a major Australian Newspaper last month based on a recent university study that stated
“bark is still the safest for children” - and we can forward a copy of it to you if you missed it.
We have an unofficial definition for the best type of soft-fall material under playgrounds and it goes like this - “The
best type of soft-fall material is the one that lets the falling child slow down over the greatest possible distance”.
With the natural “mattress” effect of a sufficiently deep organic material like bark chip it can fit that definition a lot
more easily than some non-organic products.
Too often we see well meaning adults (particularly first time play equipment buyers) assiduously seeking proof that
the soft-fall product they are considering is “approved” and they have forgotten all about what they are actually trying to achieve - a safe surface for children to fall on to if they land awkwardly or fall when they are playing.
They need to go back a few steps in the process and think it through again.
Now, most people involved with playgrounds would know there are many cases when the only sensible solution is
wet pour rubber or a similar product due to the location of the playground or other reasons and we would agree with
that but…
Often, if the playground providers think it through carefully, it becomes obvious that organic material is actually a
better solution than synthetic materials for their playground and provides a safer, more enjoyable playing environment… and the organic soft-fall products are more affordable, and it can also be cheaper even in the long run, including top up and labour to maintain them over the life of the playground.
I know that is an arguable point and I could give you a copy of my calculations to prove it. But I am just pleading for
playground designers and specifiers to give due consideration to the humble old bark chip or mulch soft -fall (the
Australian Standards approved version of course!) when they are planning new places for children to play.
Best regards,
Athol Quinsey
Smoke Point, Batemans Bay gets a state-ofthe-art Australian made rope playground...
Eurobodalla Shire Council has just had a brand new
Moduplay Wildnet Konnecta playground installed on
the banks of the Bay...
Page 2 of 5
May 2009 - issue 8
Smoke Point, Batemans Bay is an idyllic location on the
banks of the northern entry to Batemans Bay just near the
bridge.
These photos were taken as our installers were doing the
finishing touches.
Plenty of design options are available and we can
customise to suit your site as well.
Moduplay Wildnet Konnecta - Australian made Rope
Play. More info
Page 3 of 5
May 2009 - issue 8
3.4m High Swing at the old Sydney Water
Police site, Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont
This is one of those iconic Sydney locations that you love to
see has been redeveloped as a place for the people of the
city and its visitors.
There is a huge rope structure from overseas (by others)
various unique play activities including some musical
instruments and some extra high, specially built Moduplay
swings (the biggest is 3.4m high) for kids to reclaim the thrill
of the big swing sets of earlier days when you felt you were
really flying!
Well done Sydney City Council and everybody involved.
Page 4 of 5
May 2009 - issue 8
The playful softness of the timber look playground is still a big attraction…
This one is at Glencoe Street Park, Sutherland and was built for Sutherland Shire
Council.
It’s amazing how many people still instantly “connect” with
the idea of a playground built from timber.
It’s probably because many of today’s young parents grew
up in an era when there were at least a few timber forts in
the vicinity and now they love to take their own children
back to enjoy the atmosphere of which they have fond
memories.
Of course, the modern day timber playground from
Moduplay has no CCA so it is great to be able to give
children the experience of playing on a timber playground
that complies with current standards.
Page 5 of 5
May 2009 - issue 8
This new anti-graffiti kit is your one step solution to small
graffiti clean up jobs. Make sure you have one on hand!
All your small scale graffiti removal solutions in the one
place. No need to search everywhere for the different
solutions and tools.
SoSafe is a proven and effective graffiti removal system that
meets all the safety standards
Includes:
1 x Litre Yellow for paint areas
1 x Litre Blue for concrete
1 x Pair gloves
1 x Pair goggles
2 x Cotton cleaning pads
1 x Scourer
1 x 15 Litre plastic drum
1 x Safe use manual
For more info send an email to the address below.
SurePave is made from 100% recycled material and is the best turf or gravel reinforcement product available.
For areas such as walkways or spill over carparking that are
constantly eroding or pot holing and need regrading or
topping up, SurePave is a great option.
Once installed and filled with gravel or soil then turfed over
the ground becomes stable and can handle even heavy
vehicles if it is laid correctly.
SurePave is different to every other similar product on the
market.
It has much more integral strength and rigidity and the
clever design provides enormous amounts of “lock-down” or
in other words the way the filling of the pavers holds them to
the ground.
The design actually encourages interlocking root growth
when they are laid under turf areas.
The large paver size (2 pavers equal 1 square metre) is
a big time saver for the installers too.
We can send you a free sample, specifications and prices.