When it comes to playground safety, nothing is more important than the surface beneath a child’s feet. Every year, thousands of playground injuries occur due to falls, and according to the National Safety Council, nearly 80 percent of playground injuries are caused by falls to the surface below.
That’s why the foundation matters as much as the equipment itself.
For communities, schools, and park systems across the Carolinas, Poured-in-Place (PIP) rubber surfacing has become the gold standard for safety, accessibility, and long-term performance.
Unlike loose-fill materials that can shift or compact over time, PIP rubber forms a continuous, cushioned layer that absorbs impact, resists wear, and supports inclusive play for all children.
In short, it’s a surface that works as hard as the playground above it.
Poured-in-Place (PIP) rubber is a two-layer system consisting of:
The result is a seamless, slip-resistant surface that can be customized with bright patterns, logos, or play themes — while meeting the most rigorous national safety standards.
At its core, a playground surface is a safety system. The measure of its effectiveness is called Critical Fall Height (CFH) — the maximum height from which a child can fall without sustaining a life-threatening head injury.
PIP rubber surfacing consistently meets or exceeds ASTM F1292 standards for impact attenuation, offering dependable protection across all equipment zones. Because it’s installed to exact depth specifications, it maintains consistent shock absorption over time — unlike mulch or sand, which scatter and thin out with use.
Why It Matters:
True playground safety includes universal accessibility. PIP surfacing provides a smooth, level, wheelchair-friendly surface that allows all children — regardless of mobility level — to move freely from one play element to the next.
ADA-Compliant Benefits:
For parks and schools seeking to meet ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and create genuinely inclusive spaces, PIP is one of the few surfacing types that fully supports both safety and equity in play.
The Carolinas’ weather brings it all — intense sun, coastal humidity, heavy rain, and freeze-thaw cycles. PIP surfacing is engineered to withstand these conditions year after year.
Key Durability Features:
With proper installation and maintenance, a PIP surface can last 10–15 years or more, often outlasting the play equipment itself.
PIP doesn’t just perform — it inspires. Because the top layer is hand-troweled onsite, the design possibilities are nearly endless. Schools, HOAs, and parks can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns, and custom graphics to reflect local themes or school mascots.
Examples include:
This combination of function and fun makes PIP a favorite among landscape architects and recreation planners who want safety without sacrificing aesthetics.
While some surfacing materials require weekly upkeep, PIP offers a low-maintenance solution with exceptional lifecycle value.
Maintenance Advantages:
Although initial installation costs may be higher than mulch or turf, the long-term return on investment is significant. Over its lifespan, PIP’s lower maintenance and longer durability make it one of the most cost-effective safety surfacing choices available.
Many PIP systems are made from recycled rubber, such as post-consumer tires, helping to divert waste from landfills. Combined with its long lifespan and low maintenance needs, it offers a sustainable choice for communities seeking to reduce environmental impact while keeping children safe.
A proper PIP installation is both an art and a science. Churchich Recreation and Design partners with trusted installers who understand the technical requirements of depth, slope, and drainage that ensure lasting safety and performance.
The process typically includes:
When installed by certified professionals, the surface forms a durable, cohesive bond that withstands years of active play and environmental wear.
| Surfacing Type | Safety Performance | Accessibility | Maintenance | Lifespan | Aesthetic Options |
| Poured-in-Place Rubber | Excellent – meets ASTM F1292 | Fully ADA-compliant | Low | 10–15 years | Unlimited colors/patterns |
| Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) | Good when new, degrades over time | Limited – shifts, compacts | High | 3–5 years | Natural look |
| Rubber Tiles | Excellent | ADA-compliant | Moderate (seam repairs) | 8–10 years | Moderate patterns |
| Pea Gravel / Sand | Poor | Not ADA-compliant | High | 1–3 years | Natural look only |
For communities across the Carolinas, Churchich Recreation and Design helps bring playgrounds to life — and ensures they’re built on a foundation of safety, accessibility, and beauty.
From schoolyards to community parks, Poured-in-Place rubber surfacing continues to set the benchmark for injury prevention and inclusive play.
The Bottom Line:
When you invest in PIP surfacing, you’re not just creating a safer playground — you’re creating a safer childhood.
Churchich Recreation and Design specializes in complete playground design and installation services across the Carolinas — including safe, durable surfacing solutions like Poured-in-Place rubber.
Contact our team today to discuss surfacing options that keep your community’s children protected, engaged, and inspired for years to come.