Landscape & Urban Design Issue 36 2019 | Page 79

for visitors, such as mums, toddlers base layer of recycled rubber to ensure first time in years and couldn’t be and the elderly, to enjoy, members the whole outdoor area was level. This happier with result. of the community turned to Safer layer also acts as a fall attenuation Surfacing for help. They wanted a layer, making the play area safe. “Not only is recycled rubber beneficial for the environment, but it is clean, attractive outdoor space with a hopscotch area that children and Following this, the upper layer of the affordable, versatile and lasts for adults could enjoy. surface (the wearing course) was laid many years,” Ian added. “The problem on top of the base. To ensure it fitted however is that many people don’t The Safer Surfacing team worked evenly and matched the surrounding realise these benefits – which is where around the clock to clear the entire area, a mixture of green and brown Safer Surfacing comes in.” outdoor area, removing all excess rubber crumb with a depth of around weeds, loose materials and fencing. 15mm was selected. Finally, the “Our goal is to see more school The old flooring was stripped away and team cut out the hopscotch shapes playgrounds, domestic and shipped back to the company’s site to and numbers and filled them in commercial landscapes and be recycled and revalued. with grey mix to give both contrast equestrian arenas being made out of and consistency. recycled products. We want people to know that it truly is a perfect Ian Dixon, business development lead for Safer Surfacing, explained: A versatile material, this wetpour alternative to regular mulch or bark, “By stripping out the old surface at product, takes minimal maintenance and our work with Halton Parish Halton Parish Community Centre and and is extremely long lasting and safe. Community Centre demonstrates this perfectly.” putting it back into our manufacturing process, we are able to create an After just two days, the outdoor play entirely new product for use in area at Halton Parish Community equestrian arenas.” Centre was completely transformed from a tired and neglected backyard Now, with a blank canvas to work into an accessible, safe and attractive with, the Safer Surfacing team began play area. As a result, the community the renovation by installing a smooth centre can now use the space for the For more information, visit www.safersurfacing.co.uk.