New research from the Better Play Initiative highlights a growing public interest in playground solutions that combine safety, durability and sustainability
WASHINGTON (May 20, 2025) – A national survey commissioned by the Better Play Initiative revealed that most Americans today are concerned about playground safety and see potential in recycled rubber surfaces as part of the solution to safer, more accessible play.
According to the survey, 60% of U.S. adults reported that their child or a child they know has been injured due to a fall on a playground. However, more than a third (67%) believe their local municipalities should be doing more to prevent playground injuries.
The findings come as more municipalities evaluate how to reduce playground injuries and modernize public recreation areas. Despite debates around the use of synthetic turf, 72% of U.S. adults said they support the use of softer, alternative materials like recycled rubber if they are deemed safe by government studies.
The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) published a study in March 2025 examining the potential health risks associated with the use of synthetic turf fields by athletes, referees, coaches and spectators. The report found “no significant health risks to players, coaches, referees and spectators from on-field or off-field exposure” to crumb rubber infill.
The Recycled Rubber Coalition recently launched the Better Play Initiative (BPI), a nationwide public education campaign to provide community leaders with definitive resources – like the CalEPA Study – on the safety, reliability and durability of surfaces using crumb rubber and other recycled rubber products.
More than half of U.S. adults (61%) either trust or extremely trust the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding health and safety data, information and research. Half (50%) trust or extremely trust their local school districts, and 54% trust or extremely trust their local parks department.
Recycled rubber offers several benefits that resonate with parents, including softness to prevent injuries and durability to withstand changing weather patterns. Nearly a third (63%) of U.S. adults support the use of recycled rubber as a base layer for playgrounds. Other supported applications include artificial sports fields (55%), rubberized asphalt (49%) and garden mulch (43%).
“Parents across the country want better options when it comes to the materials used in community areas like parks and playgrounds,” said Scott Gerber, program director for the Better Play Initiative. “This survey confirms that recycled rubber is a safe surface as community members seek materials that reduce the potential for injury, last longer than traditional surfaces, and make play more enjoyable and accessible for all.”
Additional survey findings revealed:
Survey methodology: The Better Play Initiative surveyed 489 consumers above the age of 18 in the U.S. using the survey platform SurveyMonkey. This survey was completed in Q4 2024.
About the Better Play Initiative
The Better Play Initiative is a nationwide public education campaign that provides definitive resources on recycled rubber surfaces for parks, playgrounds, and playing fields, as well as other applications. The Initiative supports communities with up-to-date information on the safety, reliability, and durability of surfaces using crumb rubber and other recycled rubber products. Additional information can be found by visiting BetterPlayToday on LinkedIn and X.
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