For schools and early childhood education (ECE) centres, ensuring the safety of outdoor play areas is a top priority. Playground surfaces play a critical role in protecting children from injuries, particularly from falls. This is where bark-based surfaces, such as those offered by Azwood, come into focus—not just for their impact-absorbing properties, but for their sustainability.

Azwood’s playground surfacing products—Bounce Bark®, Bounce Bark® Chip, and Curamet—are certified to meet New Zealand and Australian safety standards (NZS5828:2015, AS4685.0:2017). These materials cushion falls, offering peace of mind to schools knowing their students are safer on the playground. When children run, jump, and climb, these surfaces absorb the impact, reducing the likelihood of serious injury.

However, safety is only one aspect of the conversation. With environmental consciousness on the rise, schools and ECE centres are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions. Natural bark surfacing ticks that box. Azwood’s products are made from sustainably sourced wood, giving schools an option that not only safeguards children but also supports the environment.

Beyond its safety benefits, bark surfacing decomposes naturally, returning valuable nutrients to the earth. This aligns well with many educational institutions’ commitment to teaching sustainability and environmental responsibility. With synthetic surfaces, maintenance can be cumbersome, and disposal often contributes to environmental waste. By contrast, products like Curamet are designed to minimise environmental impact, making it easier for schools to align with eco-friendly practices.

Durability is another consideration. Playground surfaces take a beating from frequent foot traffic, rain, and varied weather conditions. Bounce Bark® and Bounce Bark® Chip are resilient, allowing them to last through New Zealand’s changing seasons. They drain well, helping avoid waterlogging and slippery conditions that might deter outdoor play in winter months. Maintenance is straightforward, typically involving only occasional topping up to ensure the proper depth and cushioning.

Choosing natural bark surfaces is about making a long-term investment. These surfaces allow children to play freely and safely while teaching important lessons about sustainability. The natural aesthetics of wood-chip playgrounds can enhance outdoor learning environments, bringing children closer to nature, which has been shown to improve their cognitive and emotional development.

In the end, Azwood’s playground surfacing solutions offer more than just compliance with safety standards. They provide schools and ECE centres with a sustainable, durable, and low-maintenance option that benefits both students and the environment. Investing in natural bark surfacing reflects a commitment to safe, sustainable play, offering children a secure space to grow and explore.