When planning modern play and recreation areas, safety is only one part of the equation — long-term cost efficiency has become just as important for municipalities, landscape architects, and public facility operators.
A recent cost analysis clearly shows how switching from traditional loose-fill surfacing to synthetic Grass Grid Hexagon® systems dramatically reduces both maintenance requirements and total operating expenses.
Loose Fill vs. Grass Grid Systems
At first glance, sand, wood chips, or gravel appear to be inexpensive options, especially during initial installation. But a detailed cost-of-ownership analysis — based on a standard impact-attenuating zone beneath a double swing (8 m × 3 m = 24 m²) — paints a very different picture. The initially higher material price for Grass Grid Hexagon® quickly compensates itself through reduced maintenance needs.
Example Calculation: Double Swing Safety Zone (24 m²)
| 1 | Loose-fill materials (incl. edging): | approx. €1,072 |
| 2 | Grass Grid Hexagon® system (incl. installation): | approx. €1,554 |
Conclusion:
The difference of roughly €482 may seem significant at first — but ongoing annual maintenance tells the real story.
Upfront Investment: Higher Initial Cost, Smarter Long-Term Choice
Loose-fill surfacing is subject to natural degradation: it decomposes, shifts, gets displaced under swings, becomes contaminated (e.g., animal waste, weeds), and must be topped up regularly. For municipal crews, this means year-round labor, additional material, and recurring equipment costs.
Annual Comparison (Double Swing Example):
| 1 | Average yearly maintenance cost for loose-fill: | approx. €210 |
| 2 | Payback period for Grass Grid Hexagon®: | approx. 2 years and 4 months |
Conclusion:
By the third year, the grid system is not only the more sustainable option — it becomes the clearly more cost-effective solution as well.
Maintenance: The Hidden Cost Driver
Beyond economic benefits, Grass Grid Hexagon® delivers significant functional advantages:
Certified impact protection up to 2.40 m fall height (DIN EN 1176 compliant)
No edging required thanks to the patented interlocking hexagon system
Natural appearance through seeded infill
Minimal maintenance — regular mowing is enough
Suitable for high-traffic zones and even access routes (tested according to DIN ISO 3386-2 for passenger-vehicle load resistance)
Conclusion:
Its open-pore, fully permeable structure allows safe drainage while providing long-term surface stability, even under challenging site conditions.
Added Value: Safety, Stability & Aesthetics
Modern safety surfacing systems like Grass Grid Hexagon® demonstrate how safety, durability, and cost efficiency can work hand in hand. What initially appears as a larger investment quickly turns into measurable savings — while simultaneously improving the quality and safety of public spaces.
Those willing to rethink traditional approaches will find this solution to be a forward-looking investment in both financial sustainability and the long-term value of public recreation areas. If you would like training on Grass Grid Hexagon® installation, feel free to contact one of our certified product partners.
