Recess is Crucial

In the past decade, the value of recess has been debated. Many school systems are reallocating recess time to academics, however, many childcare experts believe recess plays an optimal role in the development of the whole child. Recess provides a break from concentration and academic challenges. Well supervised play can provide cognitive, social, emotional and physical benefits.

According to the Academy of Pediatrics, recess needs to stay! It is crucial in the development and well being of our children.

    Have a Great Day!

    Hailey Hill
    Marketing Administrator
    No Fault Sport Group

Playgrounds Inspired by the Victims of Sandy Hook Elementary

The New Jersey Firefighter’s Union, with more than 5,000 members, has created a charity to raise funds for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre. They are building 26 playgrounds in honor of the 26 lives lost in the Sandy Hook tragedy.  They are building 10 playgrounds each in New York and New Jersey and six playgrounds in Connecticut.

 

The goal of these playgrounds is to restore hope in a region where there has been devastation from Hurricane Sandy and Sandy Hook Elementary. The playgrounds will be a representation of the victims and the things they loved most. The first playground is set to open the first week of March and honors teacher, Anne Marie Murphy.

 

The New Jersey Firefighter’s Union needs to raise $2 million dollars to fund the playgrounds; they have already raised nearly $300,000. Find out more about this phenomenal charity at www.thesandygroundproject.org.

Common Questions About Rubber Mulch

When mulch is suggested for use in any project, whether it's landscaping or playground applications, a common question arises: wood or rubber mulch? Check out some of the commonly asked questions regarding rubber mulch.

1. Is No Fault Rubber Mulch Safe for Plants?
Since rubber mulch is permeable, moisture and nutrients will travel directly through the soil. No Fault Rubber Mulch then acts as an insulator to the soil from sun and heat. This achieves better plant stability and root growth. By comparison, wood mulch actually absorbs the majority of the moisture before it has a chance to reach the soil, where the moisture needs to be. Also, wood mulch can generate heat and acids that can burn plant roots.

2. Is rubber mulch harmful to humans, animals or plants?
No Fault Rubber Mulch is non-toxic and not considered harmful.

3. Will No Fault Rubber Mulch decompose?
Generally, rubber mulch does not decompose for many years.

4. Will No Fault Rubber Mulch heat up and damage plants?
Since rubber mulch does not compact, it will allow for constant circulation, which keeps mulch cooler than traditional wood mulch.

5. Is rubber mulch cost effective?
No Fault Rubber Mulch is cost effective with its one-time application. When you consider that pine straw and wood mulch generally fade as well as begin to deteriorate in as little as 6 weeks, No Fault Rubber Mulch maintains its color for as much as 10 years without the need for replacement, so the cost-effectiveness along with aesthetic benefits are evident. 

6. Does the color fade?
No Fault Rubber Mulch uses a special UV protective coating that has been lab-tested for color-loss. While minimum fading may occur over time. No Fault Rubber Mulch's color can be maintained for a period of up to 10 years with proper installation, maintenance and utilization.


7. Does rubber mulch help with weeds?
No Fault Rubber mulch is great for reducing weeds, mainly because most seeds germinate in wood mulch. Also, No Fault Rubber Mulch does not attract insects.

8. What about steel belting and threads?
No Fault Rubber Mulch is 99.9% steel free.

9. Is rubber mulch good for playgrounds?
All No Fault Rubber Mulch is ASTM certified and ADA compliant.

10. What depth should mulch be applied for playground applications?
This depends on the fall height of the playground equipment. It also depends on what type of rubber mulch you choose nuggets, shreds or mini nuggets. Check out our fall height charts on our website www.nofault.com

These questions are about No Fault Rubber Mulch, other mulches may use different processing methods that may change the answer to some of these questions. 

Have a great day!

Hailey Hill
Marketing Administrator
No Fault Sport Group

Is there a difference between accessible and inclusive play?

When designing a playground many questions arise when “accessible play” is mentioned. In fact, “inclusive play” may be mentioned as well. This leads to more questions! Is there a difference between accessible and inclusive play? And if there is, what is the difference?

Let’s start by defining each!

Accessible Playgrounds

Accessible playgrounds are outfitted with equipment and surfacing that allows children and adults from all walks of life the opportunity to play! They are equipped with ramps and a variety of other accessible play equipment that is compliant with ADA standards.

Inclusive Playgrounds

Inclusive playgrounds not only embrace the physical aspect of play but also the emotional, social and psychological aspects. These playgrounds encourage children to interact with one another, which as anticipated builds social skills.

There is indeed a difference between accessible and inclusive play. Having an accessible playground may not be enough to promote inclusive play.

 

*All playground surfaces provided by No Fault are ADA compliant.


Have a great day!

Hailey Hill
Marketing Administrator
No Fault Sport Group