Playground surfaces don’t get to be a compromise. If a child falls from a piece of equipment, the surface either does its job or it doesn’t. Go Turf installs IPEMA-certified playground turf throughout Orange County using independently tested impact attenuation systems that meet ASTM F1292 fall-height standards. Not generic landscape turf called a playground – verified safety performance with documentation.
Every playground install includes a 3-year labor warranty plus the manufacturer’s warranty and written Critical Fall Height documentation for commercial, school, and institutional records. Call (970) 274-0100 or request a free quote.
Pad depth determines the critical fall height a playground surface can safely accommodate. Go Turf measures equipment heights at every install and specifies pad depth accordingly.
Pad Depth | Critical Fall Height | Common OC Application |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 4 ft | Toddler play equipment, low structures |
| 1.5 in | 6 ft | Standard residential play sets, lower HOA equipment |
| 2 in | 8 ft | School-grade equipment, taller climbers |
| 3 in | 10+ ft | Commercial / institutional playgrounds, tall climbing walls |
Written Critical Fall Height documentation is included with every commercial, school, and institutional project for liability records and insurance documentation.
Rubber mulch is still common in OC parks and schools, but it has consistent real-world performance problems that IPEMA playground turf doesn’t share.
| Factor | IPEMA Playground Turf | Rubber Mulch |
|---|---|---|
| Fall protection consistency | Consistent throughout service life | Degrades as mulch migrates |
| Migration in use | Stays in place | Spreads from impact zones |
| Maintenance required | Minimal – rinse and brush | Regular raking and replenishment |
| Surface temp on hot OC days | Cooler (cooler still with HydroFill) | Very high – dark color retains heat |
| ADA accessibility | Compliant | Variable – depends on coverage depth |
| Lifespan | 10 – 15 years | 3 – 7 years before significant replenishment |
remove any sharp foreign objects immediately
Yes. Go Turf uses IPEMA-certified turf and pad systems on every playground install. IPEMA certification requires independent testing to ASTM F1292 – it’s third-party verified, not a manufacturer claim. Full documentation is provided with commercial, school, and institutional projects.
The pad system below the turf drives the safety rating – not pile height alone. Go Turf uses pile heights of 1.5 to 2 in for playground surfaces with IPEMA-certified pad systems rated to your equipment’s fall height. Pile height affects comfort and durability; pad depth drives safety.
IPEMA turf maintains consistent fall protection without migration or replenishment, provides ADA-compliant accessibility, and runs cooler than rubber mulch in OC’s sun. Rubber mulch requires regular raking and replenishment to maintain safety coverage and reaches extreme surface temperatures in direct sunlight.
Yes. IPEMA playground turf is designed for high-traffic use. School and commercial installations see thousands of uses per year and maintain performance through the product’s 10 – 15 year service life with normal maintenance. We recommend quarterly brushing for high-traffic zones.
Yes. Every Go Turf playground installation is designed to meet ASTM F1951 ADA accessibility standards for firm, stable ground cover. This is required for public OC facilities and built into our installation approach for commercial and institutional projects.
Pricing depends heavily on pad spec (driven by equipment fall heights), square footage, and project type. Residential play areas typically run $15 to $22 per sq ft installed with impact pad. School and commercial installs vary with scope. Get a free quote for a firm number.
