Which of these products are NOT approved for surfacing under playground equipment?

• A. Dirt and grass
• B. Engineered wood fiber
• C. Rubber mulch
• D. Sand

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that playground surfacing under equipment must cushion falls reliably. Dirt and grass don’t meet this requirement because they can compact, wear unevenly, and become hard or slick, especially with use and weather. They’re hard to maintain at a consistent depth and quality, so they don’t provide predictable protection against head injuries when a child falls. In contrast, materials like engineered wood fiber, rubber mulch, and sand are designed and tested to absorb impact, stay in place, and be maintained at the required depth, making them approved choices when properly installed.