Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is green playground equipment?

Green playground equipment manifests in a few different forms. Natural playgrounds constructed using reclaimed wood have a minimal impact on the environment. Often, the wood is sourced locally, de-limbed and de-barked manually, and is not treated with any chemicals. Though natural playgrounds have the most minimal impact on the environment of any form of playground, they are not for everyone. Many people feel that natural playgrounds do not provide enough opportunity for active play (swinging, climbing, sliding). Others feel that natural playgrounds, because they are custom-made, are overly expensive. Still others prefer the polished look of manufactured equipment to the organic look of natural playgrounds, or feel more comfortable with liability coverage with manufactured equipment. If one of these scenarios is the case….

One option is playground equipment that is manufactured using recycled milk jugs. Used milk jugs are melted down to create high-density polyethylene, which is often referred to as HDPE or RPL – Recycled Plastic Lumber. This material is extremely dense and strong. Based on its density, it weathers temperature extremes well and is long lasting. It is suitable for playground equipment because it is smooth for children’s hands and will not produce slivers like wood. It will not get extremely hot or cold like steel, but will provide comparable longevity. RPL is typically UV-stabilized to protect against UV damage, which is a common issue with plastic that is left to long-term outdoor exposure (more info). Playground equipment made with RPL tends to be more expensive than steel or wooden commercial play equipment.

Q Who manufacturers recycled playground equipment?

Progressive Design Playgrounds (PDP) designs and manufactures state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly commercial children's playground equipment and recreation site furnishings. With a strong commitment to providing fun and safe play environments for children as well as to the preservation of the earth's natural resources, Progressive Design Playgrounds uses 100% recycled plastic to create bright and colorful play structures and other site amenities that are safer and more durable than conventional wood and metal equipment.

Each Progressive Design Playgrounds play structure is created through a unique process of transforming tens of thousands of recycled milk containers into 100% HDPE (high-density polyethylene) recycled plastic lumber (RPL). By replacing conventional playground materials with this futuristic plastic, each play structure saves anywhere from 10 to 20 trees and effectively utilizes millions of recycled milk containers each year that would otherwise be filling up precious landfill space.

Progressive Design Playgrounds' play structures are safe, durable and virtually maintenance free. They last longer than their wooden and metal counterparts because they are better able to weather extreme sun, wind, snow and other environmental factors. These creative, bright, colorful play structures provide children with imaginative play today with consideration for the environment they will inherit from us in the future.

Based in Oceanside, California, Progressive Design Playgrounds' play structures are available worldwide through an extensive dealer network. The company has designed and manufactured over 3000 play structures. Progressive Design Playgrounds' clients include park and recreation departments, real estate developers, homeowner associations, cities, churches school districts, PTA groups, private schools, day care centers and government agencies.
Sourced from PDP

Q Are there green safety surfacing options?

Most types of playground safety surfacing can be considered environmentally friendly. Engineered wood fiber, pea gravel, and sand all take minimal environmental impact to produce. Further, many forms of rubber surfacing utilize rubber from recycled car and truck tires. Rubber surfacing containing 100% recycled material will oxidize sooner than surfacing containing virgin material. To briefly explain what this means, recycled rubber with 100% recycled material, especially on the surface, will lose color sooner and after a while if you were to rub it, you would get a dry black film on your hand. Rubber surfacing with a percentage of virgin rubber for the surface will retain its color and appearance longer (ie: if a tile is 2” thick, the top ¾” would be made with virgin rubber).

For more information on safety surfacing options, please refer to our blog.
For more information on recycled rubber tile surfacing, please click here.

Q Are there any site furnishings that are considered green?

Site furnishings fabricated using reclaimed materials are the most environmentally friendly. A good example of this would be furnishings made with reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood is fallen wood, driftwood, or wood reclaimed from some other application. Reclaimed materials are often preferred for environmental reasons. Further, many people feel that reclaimed materials possess more character than virgin materials. Please visit our Reclaim Recycled Wood Products page to learn more about recycled site furnishings.

Many commercial site furnishings incorporate steel, which must be treated with primer and paint for resistance to outdoor exposure. Though the application of these chemicals can be managed in an environmentally conscientious manner, they cannot be considered green. However, steel is among the most recyclable materials on Earth, and its longevity often justifies its use.