Play bark, please help.

[Zoe]

Hello everyone,

Please help me. Iv'e just bought some bags of bark to put my little boys climbing frame on as it's currently on the grass and is killing it. Iv'e just noticed on the back that is says it's not suitable for the construction of play areas. OH NO. Is this not safe to use under his climbing frame? I only want in on there till next summer till i do a whole area at the top of my garden in play bark. It's just a soloution for over the winter so my grass can grow back again. It's only a small area that will fit the climbing frame on. Should i not use it or does it matter? Please help me as i don't know what to do. Also how deep do i need the bark to me when i get the right one, lol?

Thanks
Zoe

[James Gr]

Hi Zoe,

I wouldn't panic to be honest.

Play bark is usually tested for impact so it just means that it has the test certificate to go with it saying that it is safe for use on play areas. This is really a measure taken by councils and schools etc who have very strict guidelines regarding children's play areas to ensure that they don't get sued if a child falls off anything.

It is entirely up to you - if you think the bark will act as a decent enough cushion if he falls off the frame then you should be fine.
I had a play area in my garden when I was little (many many moons ago) and I think it was partly on concrete and partly over grass - I'm still here after many climbing adventures so I should think you will be fine to use the bark you have.

Bests,

James.

[zoe]

Hi James,

Thank-you very much for your reply. I did use the bark i bought and it is perfect, looks lovely and my grass is no growing back, LOL. My little man hasn't been on it yet as it's not stopped raining and now it's cold but it's got a good thick layer and is definatly softer than the concrete and slabs so i feel a lot better now.

Thank-you for your reply, much appreciated
Zoe