A recent national survey commissioned by the Better Play Initiative found that a majority of American adults are concerned about playground safety, and see recycled rubber surfaces as a part of a potential solution to safer, more accessible play.
According to the survey, completed in the fourth quarter of 2024, 60% of U.S. adults reported that their child or a child they know has been injured due to a fall on a playground. And around one-third (67%) feel that their local municipality can be doing more to prevent these 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.
A March 2025 study from the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) examined potential health risks associated with the use of synthetic turf fields by athletes , referees, coaches, and spectators, finding no significant health risks from exposure to crumb rubber infill on or off the field. The Better Play Initiative was launched by the Recycled Rubber Coalition to provide community leaders with definitive resources like this study on the safety, reliability, and durability of surfaces using crumb rubber and other recycled rubber products.
“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.”