For residential playgrounds, sand offers sufficient cushioning when maintained at the correct depth. It’s soft, cost-effective, and easy to install.
Public and commercial playground use is a different matter. Current accessibility requirements do not permit sand in those settings. It compacts with use, migrates out of the play zone, and presents significant challenges for wheelchair users. For residential use, sand is a practical choice with real replenishment and maintenance demands attached.
Pea Gravel Surfaces
Pea gravel drains well, does not decompose, and costs less than most alternatives. For residential applications with low-to-moderate equipment heights, it functions as a workable basic surface option.
Like sand, pea gravel does not meet public or commercial playground accessibility standards. It shifts under use, reducing depth coverage in high-traffic zones. For residential use it’s manageable, though ingestion risk and the ongoing need to redistribute the material are worth factoring in for families with young children.
