Hurricanes, flooding, and record-breaking heat have become a defining part of life in the Carolinas. The reality was impossible to ignore in 2024, when Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina with some of the most severe destruction in the region’s modern history.
Helene delivered unprecedented rainfall, more than 30 inches in Yancey County alone, triggering deadly flash floods, hundreds of landslides, and widespread river overflows. Entire neighborhoods were swept away, communities were stranded for days, and critical infrastructure was destroyed. More than 100 lives were lost, tens of thousands were displaced, bridges and roads were washed out, and utilities were crippled. Making Helene one of the deadliest inland hurricanes on record.
And Helene wasn’t an anomaly.
According to NOAA, North Carolina has experienced 121 weather disasters costing over a billion dollars since 1980. South Carolina has seen 101 events over the same period. In just the last quarter century, four hurricanes unleashed rainfall that exceeded 500-year flood levels: Floyd (1999), Matthew (2016), Florence (2018), and Helene (2024).
The Carolinas face weather at every extreme: hurricanes, tropical downpours, inland flooding, heat waves, droughts, winter storms, and even wildfire risk. With so much volatility, communities, schools, and municipalities must think proactively about protecting long-term investments in parks and recreation spaces.
That’s why today’s projects increasingly emphasize resilient playground design, from hurricane-zone engineering to storm-resistant materials to heat-tolerant playground surfacing that stands up to Southeastern summers.
At Churchich Recreation and Design, we understand that the Carolinas sit within one of the most weather-volatile regions on the East Coast. From the Outer Banks to the Appalachian Mountains, playgrounds face a combination of wind, water, heat, freezing temperatures, and soil conditions that can damage equipment, shorten lifespans, and leave communities with costly repairs. Designing with resilience in mind ensures that play spaces stay safe, accessible, and usable throughout the year.
Hurricane-Force Winds and Wind-Borne Debris
Both North Carolina and South Carolina fall within ASCE 7 hurricane wind zones, with coastal and near-coastal counties subject to 120–150+ mph wind ratings. In these areas, taller or lightweight playground structures can become vulnerable during tropical storms.
Churchich builds pre-engineered shade structures that are built to last. These premium shade structures provide lasting protection with fabric-on-frame or clear-span tensioned design. In the event of intense winds, our systems are built for easy canopy removal and re-attachment.
Frequent Flooding and Poor Drainage Conditions
The Carolinas experience repeated flooding from storm surge, tropical systems, and heavy inland rainfall. Many communities also have dense clay soils that trap water under surfacing systems, leading to mold, displacement, and premature material breakdown.
At Churchich, proper drainage is key to artificial turf installation. We use a comfortable, soft pad with crushed stone underneath for drainage. The pad comes with a 20-year warranty, and the Shaw Play 50 Sport Grade Turf comes with a 7-year warranty.
Extreme Heat and Sun Exposure Across the Southeast
Record heat has become another year-round design consideration.
Churchich offers many shade systems and park structures to protect children and adults, as well as property, from the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays. Shade structures block up to 99% of UV exposure.
Choosing the Right Surfacing for Weather-Exposed Playgrounds
Surfacing choice is crucial in the Carolinas, where playgrounds face heavy rain, coastal humidity, dense soils, and intense heat. Durable, fast-draining, and climate-tolerant surfaces are needed to protect children while resisting environmental stress.
Poured-in-Place (PIP) Rubber
- PIP rubber is widely recognized as the most versatile, weather-resistant playground surface because you can spot-repair it.
- PIP offers a seamless, uniform look that is easy to clean by sweeping or spraying it down with water. If a huge storm creates debris, the cleanup is fairly easy, keeping the maintenance low.
- It comes in lighter colors to help moderate surface temperature spikes to keep children and adults cool during hot temperatures.
- Unlike loose-fill options, PIP doesn’t migrate and retains its fall protection properties after rain events.
Synthetic Turf with Shock Pads
- Modern synthetic turf systems, when paired with engineered shock pads and underlayment, perform well under high temperatures and provide consistent impact safety.
- Effective drainage layers are essential; poor drainage can lead to waterlogging, turf migration, and shortened material lifespan after severe storms.
Loose-Fill Options (e.g., Engineered Wood Fiber)
- Engineered wood fiber remains a budget-friendly choice but is prone to floating, shifting, and rapid degradation when exposed to flood or hurricane conditions.
- EWF is not recommended for parks vulnerable to periodic flooding or high rainfall, since it quickly loses fall-protection qualities and requires frequent maintenance or replacement.
Designing Playgrounds That Work with the Environment
Beyond equipment and surfacing, the layout and elevation of the site itself influence long-term durability. Smart planning can prevent thousands of dollars in repairs after storm seasons.
Key strategies include:
- Positioning playgrounds away from natural drainage channels and low-lying areas.
- Using elevated play pads to redirect stormwater.
- Adding strategic shade placements to protect both equipment and children.
- Selecting landscaping that stabilizes soil and reduces erosion around high-use areas.
By designing with the site’s natural features in mind, communities can create playgrounds that stay safer, dry faster, and maintain their condition over years of weather fluctuations.
Churchich Supports Weather-Ready Playgrounds
Churchich Recreation and Design helps North and South Carolina communities build playgrounds that thrive in tough weather.
Our experienced team delivers site assessments, storm-resilient equipment, surfacing solutions for flood and heat, engineered anchoring plans, and full project management.
We guide you from concept through installation, including post-storm maintenance advice.
Whether your site faces coastal storms, inland flooding, or summer heat, Churchich tailors every playground for lasting durability and safe play. Contact Churchich Recreation and Design today to start your weather-ready playground project for the Carolinas.