Developing Ideas - Materials - Updated

In this part of the research I will concentrate on materials used to create playground.

 

My first through was the surface, I like the idea of recycling, as consumer society we create a lots of waste witch some of them cannot be utilised in traditional way. However, innovator Robert Heath came with concept of using rubber surface made of recycled materials including tires, yet I'm not sure about the impact on environment. It is good way to reuse that type of materials, however it kind of moving the waist from place to place.

 

Wetpour Surfacing

Second thought on surfing dilemma, more loose and messy is wood chip, natural and fully biodegradable, perfect for both garden and park playground. 
 

 

Playground woodchip

Furthermore, for the sitting and harness elements of the gondola swing will be made from rotationally moulded polyethylene plastic, a type of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This material is commonly used in playground equipment because it is impact-resistant, weather-resistant, suitable for outdoor use, UV-stabilized to prevent fading and degradation from sunlight, non-toxic and safe for children (British Plastics Federation, 2013). 

Blue Hdpe Blow Moulding Stadium Chairs

Stainless steel is a great choice for playground swings because it's strong, corrosion-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance. It is safe as a smooth surface, no splinters, and if prepared and used properly there shouldn't be any sharp edges (Neo Nickel, 2020). Fully recyclable, could be painted, tinted by heating up to  specific temperature, sanded to give a mat look or polish to high level of mirror look.

Custom Stainless Steel

Moreover, for the ideal slide of high over 6 meters from all viable materials concreate or stone ingot which required minimum of maintenance, it is strong, UV and weather resistant. To deliver smooth surface of the sliding part it will be use fiberglass coating over concrete to create a smooth, low-friction surface.

In summary for the part of the park I'm planning to instal my equipment I chose to use woodchips to soften the ground, and stainless steel for the most of the gondola swing parts as this materials are more environmental friendly, easy to recycle and required minimum maintenance, also for the slide stone ingot and fibreglass coating for its durability and conservation requirements.

Reference list:

Blue Blade Steel (n.d.). Custom Stainless Steel. [Online image] bluebladesteel.com. Available at: https://www.bluebladesteel.com/userfiles/image/stainlessSteel01.jpg [Accessed 13 Jun. 2025].

British Plastics Federation (2013). Polyethylene (High Density) HDPE. [online] Bpf.co.uk. Available at: https://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/polymers/hdpe.aspx [Accessed 5 Apr. 2025].

Choicefurn Tech LLP (n.d.). Blue Hdpe Blow Moulding Stadium Chairs. [Online image] indiamart.com. Available at: https://5.imimg.com/data5/SELLER/Default/2021/11/QW/DQ/BN/81385995/stadoum-1000x1000.png [Accessed 8 Jul. 2025].

ESP Play (n.d.). Wetpour Surfacing. [Online image] espplay.co.uk. Available at: https://www.espplay.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/resin3-e1709286988439.jpg [Accessed 25 Apr. 2025].

Landscape Depot (n.d.). Playground woodchip. [Online image] landscapedepot.ie. Available at: https://www.landscapedepot.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/woodside-playground-wood-chip.jpg [Accessed 25 Apr. 2025].

 Neo Nickel (2020). What is Stainless Steel & What is it Used For? - NeoNickel. [online] Neonickel.com. Available at: https://www.neonickel.com/technical-resources/what-is-stainless-steel-what-is-it-used-for [Accessed 5 Apr. 2025].