Rubber Recycle™ in the News

Recycled Tire Playground Test Sets Standard for Disabled, Too

Press Release
For information: Gail Cohen • Communications (630) 752-0141

What could be more horrific than the sight of a child landing headfirst on the ground?

Now, imagine a surface that cushions falls and also helps kids with disabilities navigate play areas with ease. Both of these outcomes are anticipated when the Illinois Park and Recreation Association completes testing of playground surfacing made from recycled rubber tires at its Carol Stream headquarters over the next few months.

Access Recreation Group, a North Aurora-based industry-consulting firm, is facilitating the test as part of its mission to provide accessible recreation options for physically challenged children. “Pour-in-place recycled tire surfacing has received the Americans With Disabilities Act seal of approval, so our goal is to prove safety and accessibility with one unique surface,” IPRA’s Chief Executive Officer, Bill Wald, explained.

IPRA received a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs to test the material. Test surfaces were recently put into place and a velocity tester - measuring the impact of a child’s head dropping to the poured rubber surfacing - will verify the material’s ability to cushion falls.

Recycled tire surfacing couldn’t come at a better time as landfills are pushed to capacity and recycling continues to generate nationwide interest. The Rubber Manufacturers Association, a non-profit touting the benefits of scrap tire, agrees that playgrounds are ideal places to install pliable rubber surfacing.

The proof is in the research. Scrap tire-derived materials absorb surface shock better than other materials. Even turf and earth surfaces - like soils and packed dirt - can be problematic if climatic conditions lessen their ability to absorb impacts. Mayo Clinic studies prove rubber “gives” and provides twice the cushioning effect of wood mulch, fine sand and medium gravel. Additionally, the Department of Energy and Natural Resources promotes scrap tire rubber as a better surface because it’s non-flammable.

“Scrap tire is clean, non-toxic, resilient and economical,” said IPRA’s Deputy Chief Admin-istrator Tom Ford. “It doesn’t attract or retain moisture, reduces dust and mud in play areas, isn’t dog, cat, rodent or insect-friendly and won’t rot or decay. Additionally, the surface isn’t susceptible to reduced performance in rain, snow or icy situations.”

The Illinois Park and Recreation Association is a 59-year-old non-profit dedicated to training, supporting, certifying and linking park, conservation and recreation professionals. One of the largest organizations of its type in the nation, IPRA is the recipient of 2003 Business Journal and American Society of Association Executives awards.

 Del.icio.us