One of the vexing issues in playground design (and other landscape interventions for that matter) is the issue of paths: concrete is so raw in appearance (and don't get me started on faux concrete finishes), stone is expensive, gravel is messy, soil is muddy, mulch scatters and needs replacing...hoggin (a compactable mixture of sand, gravel and clay) is a favorite of mine but it's not readily available here in the US. So I was intrigued to run across the idea of 'soil stabilizers', which appear to be some sort of polymeric additive to existing soil that consolidates it to make a durable surface. [see a list of the multiple options at this site about trail surfaces]
The sites of commercial purveyors seem to be marketing to the military (quick runways and roads, that sort of thing) so I assume it's durable. Has anyone out there used these products? Thoughts or reviews?
We use a polymer mix-in in Austin for trails with a slight grade. It seems to work well, and is unnoticeable to the casual visitor. I haven't seen it used in playgrounds.
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ReplyDeleteMaybe you would like to know about this playspace architectural design competition:
http://www.riai.ie/competitions/detail/killybegs_playspace_architectural_design_competition/
Greetings from one of your readers in Spain.
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ReplyDelete"I’m in favor of them, though I understand that additional subsequent applications are to be expected. Not sure about plowing for freeze/thaw climates, but probably could be okay. Polymers can also be used with EWF (look at Zeager Brothers’ website, and with smaller stone (see Gravel-lok). Not cheap, but cheaper than stone."
Cheryl Corson Design
Gardens | Landscapes | Playgrounds
www.cherylcorson.com
I like decomposed granite; ADA accessible and an industry byproduct. By way of some name-dropping, it's what Robert Irwin used in the Getty garden.
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