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Like Post Raisin Bran's claim to two scoops in every box, Surface America, Inc. boasts recycled materials in every surfacing system it makes. This includes 14 different poured-in-place, roll and tile products used in 30 different applications ranging from batting cages to high traffic areas.

For these products, Surface America utilizes both pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled components, according to company President James A. Dobmeier. "We incorporate the industry's widest collection of recycled materials into our surfacing systems," Dobmeier said.

In 1998, the Williamsville, NY-based company laid more than 1 million square feet of surfacing. About 80 percent were poured-in-place applications at playgrounds and other recreational sites, according to a recent company profile.

Surface America also markets a unique line of dual density playground tiles produced exclusively by Dodge Regupol, Inc., Lancaster, PA. Playbound™ tiles feature a two-layer system designed to provide maximum cushioning and durability. The bottom cushioning layer contains 85 percent recycled rubber and 15 percent urethane, while the top layer is 82 percent rubber and 18 percent urethane for greater durability.

In another innovative program, Surface America recently began incorporating Nike Grind into its playground surfacing products as part of Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program. Under the alliance, Nike recycles old athletic shoes into Nike Grind and Surface America combines Nike Grind with recycled rubber and urethane in a formulation engineered specifically for playground surfaces. The blend is used to form a resilient base mat layer for Surface America's Playbound Tiles and Poured-in-Place Systems.

To produce Nike Grind, Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe collection partners collect any brand of athletic shoes for recycling. Nike processes the shoes into a material called Nike Grind, which is the separated components of the shoes: upper fluff, midsole foam and rubber outsoles.

Along with durability and comforts, Surface America gives top billing to safety in all of its products. The company uses ASTM F1292 - the industry's standard test - for every playground surface system it makes. "We recognize that the principle value of playground surfacing is in its ability to absorb shock and lessen the impact of falls to children," Dobmeier said.

All of Surface America's systems meet critical fall height recommendations for playground surfacing as established by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, according to Dobmeier.

As members of the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) and the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association, Surface America stays current with all standards that relate to the playground surfacing industry; including issues that range from flammability to accessibility.

In addition, the Playbound system conforms to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and PS 83-97 Provisional Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment.

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