​The approach

The Department has initiated a program to reduce, reuse and recycle playground equipment, when and where possible.

A playground qualifies for a refurbishment if it has a solid structure and better value than a new playground. Worn-out rubber surfacing can either be “topped over” with another layer of rubber or “turfed over” with artificial turf. Cost savings from these simple refurbishments save money over wholesale replacements; those savings are applied to increasing the number and rate at which our playgrounds are upgraded. Best of all, we are contributing to making our planet just a little more greener, one playground at time.

Artificial turf

You will now see artificial turf beneath many of our playgrounds that look similar to the turf at Aloha Stadium. Why? Playground safety surfacing is a required standard for all Department playgrounds to protect our children from serious head injury in the case of a fall. While rubber surfacing can also be used, artificial turf is less expensive and offers the same protection for our children, allowing us to use the cost savings to design and construct playgrounds with larger capacity.

Engaging design

Playground manufacturers constantly invent new products to keep children excited about using playground equipment. A playground should be inviting and offer enough challenge and fun so that children will remain engaged in playground activities. Simplified or watered-down designs become “boring” once the novelty wears off, and oftentimes children create challenges placing them at risk for injury to themselves or others. The Department is dedicated to providing the newest and most exciting playground designs that our children will enjoy — it fosters happy, healthy and ready-to-learn children in our classrooms.

New & refurbished playgrounds

Updated February 2015: