Standards

Earthscape playgrounds are handcrafted from the highest quality materials, meeting or exceeding safety standards and compliance regulations. Sustainable practices are integral to our mission.

Materials

Wood

Wood is genuine and organic. It feels pleasant to touch. It never gets too hot or too cold. It provides a natural connection to the earth.

We are very selective about the species of wood that we use. Different types of wood are used in different components of our playgrounds and structures depending on climatic regions. We design for a 25+ year lifespan. The wood species we use have a very high resistance to rot, insects, disease and wear and are easy to maintain.

Wood is our primary construction material for many reasons:

Customization

Unlimited designs with maximum customization for bespoke play

Sustainability

Durable and long-lasting renewable material

Natural

Harmonizes with the natural environment and shows signs of growth and variation

Tactile

Humans react positively to wood that is pleasing to the touch, never too hot or too cold

Hand-Craftmanship

Evidence of hand-crafting signals personalization, care, and uniqueness

Enhancements:

Rope

Steel core-centre, nylon covered rope and nets are often added to our playground structures and sculptures. Ropes and nets add play value and colour. Custom fitted rope net structures and rope arrangements give us the flexibility to include challenging and dynamic elements of varying heights and distances.

Colour

Colours found in nature can also be found in our playgrounds to add interest and personality. Many of our wood playground pieces are left in their natural state as the woods we use do not require artificial protection. Colour is often added to help tell a story or to provide a sense of whimsy and fun. Where desired, a water-based stain is applied in two coats to wood surfaces. Coloured ropes or nets are similarly used to compliment a story or colour scheme.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a strong, elegant, high-quality material that allows us to create unique shapes, active play elements and long lasting timber connections. Steel components can include slides, turning bars, or banister rails; these elements combine beautifully with wood to increase the playability of structures.

Flex Form

Flex Form can be combined with ropes or used on its own to increase the diversity of play opportunities by creating additional spaces and places to climb, swing, balance, rest or hang out.

Safety & Compliance

Every Earthscape playground design is rigorously evaluated to ensure compliance to safety standards; CSA-Z614 in Canada, ASTM F1487 in the United States and EN1176 in Europe.

A combination of internal and third-party safety and accessibility consultants review each piece of custom equipment as well as the overall playground layout to remove hazards while maintaining opportunities for risk, challenge and reward.

Accessibility compliance requirements are always met and additional measures are taken to ensure inclusive play for all. Our playgrounds are designed to be fun and usable for everyone.