safety surfacing for playgrounds, athletic courts, recreation … · safety surfacing for...

Safety Surfacing for Playgrounds, Athletic Courts, Recreation Centers and Aquatic Facilities

Poured in place rubberized safety surfacing, synthetic

grass, running tracks, athletic fields and more

safety surfacing, synthetic

An

Company

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FlexGround Mission Statement

To provide innovative and high quality surfacing options,

installed by a knowledgeable and caring staff, backed by

unparalleled customer service.

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Riverview Park, Mesa, Arizona

Table of Contents

Rubberized/PIP Surfacing ............................................................................3

Synthetic Turf Surfacing .............................................................................7

Aquatic Surfacing ........................................................................................9

Surface Repair and Maintenance/FlexGrout ........................................11

Architect Design Tips .................................................................................15

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FlexGround Standard

Highest Quality Industry Standard:

FlexGround Standard is our traditional, poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing. It is a two-layer system consisting of a cushioned base, composed of a high quality recycled cushion layer, and a top surface made of 1/2” urethane-adhered EPDM rubber granules. Each granule is 1-3mm in size. FlexGround Standard is durable, suitable for all age play areas and can be installed indoors or outdoors. FlexGround Standard materials are mixed and applied on-site, so that the thickness can be modified to meet varying critical fall heights. FlexGround Standard is IPEMA certified and also adheres to the ASTM 1292 Standard for critical fall heights.

Color and Urethane:

FlexGround Standard is offered in a wide array of colors, including blue, green, red and beige. Colors may be mixed or designed side by side. More intricate design work, involving numerous colors, patterns, logos, etc. is also available. FlexGround Standard is applied using aromatic urethane, however, a higher quality aliphatic urethane is also available.

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Accessibility:

FlexGround Standard is a poured-in-place, stationary surface, allowing wheelchairs unhindered access and maneuverability. Heavily used areas under swings and slides are designed to maintain thickness and attenuation.

Download specs and drawings at FlexGround.com

To Verify product certification,

visit www.jpema.org

Rubberized/PIP Surfacing

FlexGround EnduraFlexTM

High Quality TPV Product:

FlexGround EnduraFlex is a superior poured-in-place rubber surface. Like our Standard product, it consists of two layers: a cushioned base composed of a high quality cushion layer, and a surface layer of 1/2” urethane adhered TPV (thermal plastic) granules. Each TPV granule is 1-4mm. TPV is a vulcanized product, making it better equipped to withstand daily wear and tear and color-fading due to UV exposure. Flexground EnduraFlex is a more durable product, suitable for all age play areas, and may be installed indoors or outdoors. EnduraFlex materials are mixed and applied on-site so that the thickness can be modified to meet varying critical fall heights. EnduraFlex is IPEMA certified and also adheres to the ASTM 1292 standard for critical fall heights.

Color and Urethane:

FlexGround EnduraFlex is also offered in a wide array of colors, including blue, green, red and beige. Colors may be mixed or designed side-by-side. More intricate design work, involving numerous colors and patterns, is also available. FlexGround EnduraFlex is

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applied using aromatic urethane, however, a higher quality aliphatic urethane is also available.

Accessibility:

FlexGround EnduraFlex is a poured-in-place, stationary surface, allowing wheelchairs unhindered access and maneuverability. Heavily used areas under swings and slides are designed to maintain thickness and attenuation.


visit www.jpema.org

Integrating FlexGround into your project will create a showcase of

Safety – Style – Satisfaction


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FlexGround UltraFlexTM

Our Highest Quality Poured-In-Place Product:

FlexGround UltraFlex is the highest quality, longest lasting rubber safety surfacing on the market. UltraFlex is poured using the same two-layer system as FlexGround Standard and EnduraFlex, but utilizes a smaller (.5-1.5mm) granule TPV for the top surface wear course. Elevated urethane ratios bind the smaller granules together for a superior product, which boasts the best elongation and tensile strength in the industry. TPV is a vulcanized product, making it better equipped to withstand daily wear and tear and color fading due to UV exposure.

FlexGround UltraFlex is our most durable rubber surface, suitable for all age play areas, including water play, and may be installed indoors or outdoors. UltraFlex materials are mixed and applied on-site so that the thickness can be modified to meet varying critical fall heights. UltraFlex is IPEMA certified, adhering to the ASTM 1292 standard for critical fall heights.

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Color and Urethane:FlexGround UltraFlex is offered in a wide variety of colors. However, because UltraFlex utilizies smaller granules, we do not recommend mixing colors. Ultraflex utilizes aliphatic urethane only.

Accessibility:

FlexGround UltraFlex is a poured-in-place, stationary surface allowing wheelchairs unhindered access and maneuverability. Heavily used areas under swings and slides are designed to maintain thickness and attenuation.


visit www.jpema.org



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FlexGround Xtreme playground surfacing

The gold standard: FlexGround’s Xtreme Playground Surfacing line is the gold standard in attenuated playground surfacing. It has been specifically engineered to withstand the rigors and elements to which common playground surfacing is exposed.

Utilizing a blend of industry recognized rubberized surfacing and infused with a proprietary mix of aliphatic thermoplastic urethane and chemically resistant color coat, our Xtreme PlayGround Surfacing line is guaranteed to remain impervious to cracking, fading, chipping, peeling, delamination and granulation. No matter the amount of foot or play traffic, natural UV exposure or common climactic elements, clients can remain confident in their pad’s ability to remain strong and vibrant.

Compliance at its core:FlexGround’s Xtreme Surfacing line has been shown to actually increase compliance (over standardized surfacing) with industry recognized and mandated


visit www.jpema.org



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codes, and is IPEMA certified, adhering to ASTM 1292 Head Impact Criteria and all skid and flammability mandates.


FlexGrass artificial turf, originally pioneered by FlexGround, is an IPEMA certified grass and poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing. FlexGround FlexGrass utilizes the same cushion-based sublayer as our rubber top systems. The top, or “wear” layer, is then set with some of the highest quality synthetic turf available.

The FlexGrass advantage:Most synthetic grasses use a loose, black rubber filling to increase the strength and long-term viability of the turf. Unfortunately, this infill absorbs and emits extreme heat from outside temperatures, and comes loose after regular use, creating debris and maintenance issues. FlexGround FlexGrass uses an infill which can create, on average, a surface 10 degrees cooler than systems utilizing loose rubber infill. In addition, FlexGround FlexGrass is bound by a woven thatch layer base, allowing the infill to settle more securely in the base, which promotes long-term strength and wear resistance. FlexGrass is an exciting and innovative product from FlexGround. By combining the craftmanship of

Why choose FlexGrass?• Installs easily in just 2 days• Virtually maintenance-free• Completely porous and dries quickly after

wet weather• FlexGrass is a 60 oz. top layer, the most dense

in the industry• Fall height certified for ASTM 1292 and meets

guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

• No nylon fibers, as found in other artificial grasses, which have been shown to contain lead

• Non-SBR infill

Heavy metal FREE!

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our industry-leading cushion base with premium synthetic turf, we’ve created FlexGround FlexGrass, the most durable, maintenance free surfacing you can own. Best of all, it looks and feels remarkably like real grass!

Synthetic Turf Surfacing

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FlexGrassNote: Total thickness of system is based on maximum fall height of equipment

Drawing not to scale

Synthetic grass

1.25” pile height. No infill required

60 oz. Synthetic grass

1.25” pile height

High quality recycled

cushion layer

Concrete edge

Cushion layer recessed

for flush installation

4” Of ABC compacted to 95% Well-prepared sub grade

Sub base compacted

ABC,concrete or asphalt


visit www.jpema.org




FlexGrass mini soccer fieldsTrain smart, play fit:FlexGround Mini Soccer Fields are designed to provide cities, community recreation centers and private facilities with an affordable athletic solution. These fields meet the needs of athletes of all ages and athletic talent levels, including youth recreational leagues, adult intramural leagues, and even professional associations. Encompassing the standard design of a real soccer field, our Mini Soccer Fields provide a safer, more intimate athletic experience for focused training.

What are the benefits?

• Fun, Manageable Exercise for Kids• Focused Learning/Training• League and Revenue Opportunities• Safe Play Environment• Lower Maintenance Play Area• Aesthetically Pleasing

Convert an unused tennis court, parking lot or other empty space,

or let us build you a Mini Soccer Field from scratch. We can design

a Mini Soccer Field in any size to fit your available space.

Synthetic Turf Surfacing

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Aquatic surfacing

FlexGround KoolFlex

Aquatic decking evolution: Koolflex is a revolutionary pool deck, splash pad and aquatic surfacing solution. This revolutionary formula was engineered to serve as the final solution for any surfacing which requires the strength necessary to withstand areas of high chlorination, alkaline and UV exposure. What makes Koolflex so special? Koolflex is an aliphatic thermoplastic urethane. This means that, unlike acrylic systems, Koolflex is highly resistant to cracking, chipping, peeling, fading and is softer on bare feet.Koolflex is available in an array of colors and textures that can be tailored to meet your specific pool deck or splash pad needs.

Acrylic Pool Deck: FlexGround uses only the highest quality materials in order to provide our clients with a beautiful pool deck meant to stand the test of time. Our standard pool decking systems are cementitious acrylic in nature and are offered in an array of colors, styles and texturing options. FlexGround pool decks


The Koolflex Advantage• Looks just like typical pool deck,

splash pad and aquatic surfacing

• Softer on your feet

• Higher crack, chip and wear resistance

• Less maintenance

are applied by only approved master applicators. FlexGround’s commitment to uncompromising quality means that we don’t stop until clients are 100% satisfied.

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Aquatic surfacing

Xtreme waterplay surfacing

Compliant at it’s core:FlexGround’s Xtreme Water Play line has been formulated to meet strict water play compliance standards mandated by the Department of Health. Our Xtreme Water Play surfacing uses only the highest quality, anti-microbial materials, and is non-porous from top to bottom.

Water play without bounds:

FlexGround has worked closely with some of the industry’s leading water play equipment manufacturers to offer an Xtreme Water Play line that is IPEMA certified and can be used in conjunction with water play equipment that requires ASTM 1292 compliance for attenuated impact and all necessary skid requirements. Your water play design capabilities now know no bounds.

Soft, durable surfacing for your

water park or water play area.Download specs and drawings at

FlexGround.com


visit www.jpema.org



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Recreational Surfacing Repair

and Rejuvenation System

FlexGround is proud to introduce our revolutionary and patent pending FlexGrout system. This newly engineered grouting compound repairs and strengthens rubberized surfacing systems, and has been tested to withstand even the most extreme conditions.

FlexGrout:FlexGrout is a medium viscosity grout engineered to penetrate and fill the voids between a pad’s rubber granules. The precise formulation completes an integral bonding and color-based revitalization of the old rubber pad. All necessary slip/skid resistance is maintained by exposure of the pad’s original rubber granules at the surface. FlexGrout is available in both standard and custom colors to fit the aesthetics of any playground.

ColorSeal:

Though proper upkeep in accordance with ADA and ASTM standards is critical to any pad’s performance and lifespan, a good-looking pad is important to any school, park or municipality’s patrons. With that in mind, we created ColorSeal. ColorSeal is a color-based top dressing designed to reinvigorate the look and color of pads after they have been grouted with FlexGrout. FlexGrout has been shown to actually increase compliance (over standardized surfacing) with industry recognized and mandated codes, including ASTM 1292 Head Impact Criteria and all skid and flammability mandates.

BEFORE AFTER

Surface Repair and Maintenance/FlexGrout

The results speak for themselves

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER


BEFORE

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Cost Analysis

Playground surfacing maintenance: $2,700 **

One-time FlexGrout installation cost: $960

Cost Savings= $1,740 **Based on study of typical 3 year maintenance costs of 500 ft pad in Phoenix Metro, Arizona.

FlexGrout can also be used on new or slightly used pads as a strengthening compound for areas of high wear and tear. This school in Phoenix, Arizona used FlexGrout on landing pads in order to maintain the life of the pad in that specific high-use area.


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FlexCoatTM

FlexCoat is a urethane top dressing which may be applied to any rubber safety surface. Our FlexCoat urethane coating rebinds the rubber granules, improving the product’s useful life. FlexCoat also rejuvenates and refreshes surface colors. FlexCoat is recommended as a preventative maintenance application. To ensure longevity, it is recommended that a FlexCoat be applied every two years.

FlexFixTM

Finding holes in your previously applied rubber surface? FlexGround can quickly and easily repair minor and major damage. Small repairs can be made in various designs and colors (triangles, circles, happy faces etc.) in order to create the appearance that the repaired area was part of the original design.




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FlexTopTM

FlexTop is the solution for widespread and severely damaged rubber. It consists of reapplying the EPDM or TPV top surface (and cushioning where needed). FlexTop will be applied 1/2” thick over top of the existing rubber to conceal any damage and maintain or improve critical fall height measures. You’ll be amazed by the “brand new” look of your surface!

FlexGroutTM

FlexGround’s proprietary solution to old and worn pads. Please see pages 11-12.




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red or blue, it is strongly recommended that you use aliphatic urethane to bind the sur face. Al iphat ic urethane is superior to traditional urethane in that it will not amber or fade the rubber over time, and creates a much stronger bond between the rubber particles. Aliphatic urethane will also help the rubber establish its true color more quickly, and ensure that it retains a “just installed” look for years to come.

Borders: Because rubber expands and contracts with temperature changes, it will sometimes separate at a connection point with another surface (i.e. where it meets a sidewalk), and leave an exposed gap. This may create a trip hazard. To avoid this issue, the connecting surfaces should be stepped and inset 1/2” deep and 3” wide along the entirety of the border.

Turn downs: In some play areas, sand or wood chips are used to fill in areas where critical fall height standards need not be met.In these scenarios, the rubber should be graded down at a 45 degree angle for 1.5 feet. Any loose fill material (sand, wood chips, etc) should be brought up over the downturned edge to lay even with the top surface. This will prevent children from playing with exposed siding. Remember to account for turn down borders in assessing square footage estimates.

Budgeting options:As with any project, budget often rules. The cost of safety surfacing (both rubber and grass) can fluctuate greatly depending upon the color scheme, thickness of rubber, total square footage, and design. The least expensive option for top surface rubber is to blend black EPDM with another standard color, as standard black is less expensive than colored EPDM. Because a solid black surface will retain and emit heat, it is recommended that at least a 50/50 mix (black and color) be selected.

Additional savings may be achieved by reducing the overall amount of safety surfacing to only those areas where critical fall height standards must be adhered to. Areas not subject to critical fall height standards may be filled with a less expensive sand or rubber mulch option.

Be aware, however, that these options may be subject to greater long-term costs due to increased maintenance and cleanup issues. It is advised that areas which need not comply with critical fall height standards be laid with non-attenuated synthetic turf. This is less costly than fully-attenuated rubber surfacing, complies with ADA standards, and is much more durable than sand or rubber mulch.

Seams/designs: Custom design work in rubber surfacing is an attractive option. Be aware, however, that design work may increase the cost of installation. For each change in color and design, a seam is required to make a transition. Seams installed incorrectly can tear in the course of regular use. Proper installation requires a step-seam technique. A step-seam requires that where the final 6 inches of each side of rubber meet at the seam, one side is cut up 1/4“and one side cut down 1/4 “, and fitted together. This creates a more durable tongue and groove effect at the seam. Priming the seam with additional urethane is also recommended.

Adding color: Adding color to a pad can significantly enhance the look of the surfacing. If adding a color other than green, tan,

For Poured-In- Place Rubber And Synthetic Grass Safety Surfacing

Architect Design Tips


Utilizing grass for access ramps:

In short, don’t do it. Ramps are often surrounded by loose fill surfacing, such as sand or wood chips. This loose fill is likely to overlap and be absorbed by the grass, nullifying the attenuation and leaving it at risk to fall out of compliance of safety guidelines. The only material that should be used for access ramps is poured-in-place rubber.

Sub base:

Don’t forget the sub-base. Poured-in-place rubber requires a minimum sub-base of four inches of compacted ABC aggregate, or at least three inches of concrete or asphalt. Grass requires a minimum of two inches compacted aggregate. These are minimums. Most playground pits are deeper and will require either a backfill material (such as compacted dirt) or a sub-base, filled to the appropriate depth for compliant safety surfacing to be installed.

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Synthetic grass as a wear course: Using synthetic grass as a wear course (top layer) has many advantages. Typically, a grass surface has a longer warranty, its color won’t fade as easily, and subsequent repairs are not visible (as grass blades hide repair seams). When choosing a synthetic grass safety surface for your playground project, you will want to consider a few things:

1) Is the grass surface ASTM 1292 compliant? 2) Is it IPEMA certified? 3) Will the attenuation of the grass, and its compliance

with safety regulations, be compromised by loose infill?

4) What is the face weight of the grass?

Synthetic grass face weight: Face weight has much to do with the overall durability of grass safety surfacing. Face weight refers to the weight of the yarn used to make the individual blades of grass. The heavier the face weight, the denser the grass blades. Denser grass blades create a more durable product with a longer life cycle. Note: it is also important to consider the stitch count of the grass. The stitch count refers to the amount of stitches in the face of the grass, used to bind the blades. A higher stitch count usually denotes a better quality product.

Synthetic grass cushion: The cushion layer of your synthetic grass safety surfacing is the most critical component of the install. If the cushion layer is loose fill, it is likely to move around and wash out after long-term use or storms.

Additionally, a loose fill cushion layer may disturb the turf’s infill. Infill serves two primary purposes: 1) It weighs the grass down to ensure stability. 2) It adds additional cushion to the surface.

Because a loose fill cushion layer will likely shift, clump, and wash away over time, it will likely expose your infill to the same fate. This further subjects your safety surfacing to fall out of critical fall height standards and ADA maneuverability guidelines.

Download specs and drawings at

FlexGround.com



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Riverview Park, Mesa, Arizona

As featured in Landscape Contractor and Landscape Architect Magazines“Riverview Park is... one of the largest continuous rubberized pads in the United

States. [FlexGround] worked closely with other various contractors to make this dream a reality for the City of Mesa and the Chicago Cubs”.

– Landscape Contractor Magazine, September 2014

Who is FlexGround?We’ve been in the news

But most importantly, our focus is you

“I give FlexGround an A+. The end product was exactly

what I had hoped for and they really went out of their

way to make sure I was happy. They were always

punctual and conducted themselves in a professional

manner throughout the installation process. I would

highly recommend FlexGround, and will no doubt call

them for all of my safety surfacing needs in the future.”

– A. Potts, Scottsdale, Arizona

“Thank you for the beautiful splash pad that you donated and installed on the property of our Children’s Shelter. The children staying with us have very much enjoyed it. It has even helped some of our children get over their fear of water and has been great entertainment for our children with sensory challenges! Thank you again for your donation and kindness; it is an addition to our program that will be treasured for many years to come.” – Cassandra Rondel Asencio, Crisis Nursery, Phoenix, Arizona

“States. [Fle

“I want to also thank you, personally, for all of your understanding and assistance over the year it took to get this project going and completed. I know I changed my mind a dozen times... but throughout it all you were patient and understanding and for that we are so very grateful.” – J. Sherman, Phoenix, Arizona

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“Sand is so last century. Step on a playground today and you’ll probably find a spongy surface that provides both grip and safety padding. Much of this

multicolored flooring comes from FlexGround...”–Inc. Magazine, September 2014

“FlexGround named an Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Company”

A letter from our President and CEOThank you for considering FlexGround for your recreational surfacing needs. Client satisfaction is, and always has been, our primary goal. And while other companies may advertise a similar dedication to customer satisfaction, we here at FlexGround like to prove it. With that in mind, here is my personal cell phone number (480) 694-8320. Should you ever have a question or need go unattended, I invite you to call me directly. I assure you that every effort will be taken to ensure your total and complete satisfaction. Thank you again for your consideration.

– Bill J. Stafford, President and CEO, FlexGround

“Chace Alderete, a 6-year old boy from Arizona was spirited, adventurous, kind-hearted and above all, enthusiastically caring. So, when in March 2013, Chace was tragically killed by a malfunctioning horse trailer at his favorite recreation facility... Flexground, with the assistance of...local volunteers, pledged to build a playground in his honor.”

–Landscape Architect Magazine, June 2014

Let us prove it

We’ve won an award or two

adventurous kind h

As Featured in Landscape Architect

Magazine and CBS5az.com

We’re philanthropic

All warranties and guarantees subject to FlexGround’s warranty policy

Colors may vary slightly from those pictured

MediumGrey

Azure Blue Bright Yellow

Beige

BrightGreen

Purple StandardGreen

StandardBlue

DarkGrey Light Blue StandardRed

Cream

Bright Red Brown

Funky Pink

Dark Brown

Black

Dark Green

Orange

Light Grey

Turquoise

Light Purple

White

MustardYellow

An

Company


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