When it comes to playground safety, the surface beneath children’s feet is just as important as the equipment they are playing on. Falls are inevitable during active play which is why choosing the right ground cover is crucial. Softlanding Bark is specifically designed to provide a safe, natural and reliable surface that meets the strictest Australian standards for playgrounds.
Certified for Playground Safety
Not all bark products are created equal. Softlanding Bark is certified to Australian Standards, Soft Landing meets Australian Standards for playground surfacing, specifically in Impact Attenuation and Fit for Purpose. Certification also guarantees that the bark is screened carefully to remove sharp pieces and splinters which gives parents, schools and councils confidence that children can play safely.
Using uncertified bark may seem like a cheaper alternative but it can pose serious risks. Inferior products may contain contaminants or sharp fragments that increase the likelihood of cuts, splinters or injuries. With Softlanding Bark, safety is never left to chance.
100% Natural Pine Bark
Softlanding Bark is crafted from sustainably sourced Australian pine bark, making it a safe, natural alternative to artificial playground surfaces. While plastics and rubber can break down into harmful microplastics, natural bark is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. As part of the Hyne Group’s Whole of Log Philosophy, every log is put to its best use with Hyne Timber producing trusted structural timber for homes and Bassett Barks and Rocky Point repurposing what remains into premium mulches and growing media, including Softlanding Bark. This circular approach reduces waste, supports sustainable forestry and creates products that benefit both communities and the environment.Â
Low Maintenance and Long Lasting
Once installed, Softlanding Bark is simple to maintain. It settles evenly across the play space, creating a consistent cushion layer that minimises compaction. With occasional top-ups, it can provide long-term safety and comfort for playground users.
Artificial materials on the other hand often require expensive installation and ongoing maintenance to deal with heat absorption, wear and surface cracking. By contrast, natural mulch like Softlanding Bark stays cooler in summer, provides excellent drainage and is easier and more affordable to refresh over time.
Perfect for Every Play Space
Softlanding Bark is a versatile surface suitable for:
- Childcare centres
- Public parks
- Schools
- Community playgrounds
Whether it is a small local play area or a large recreational facility, Softlanding Bark creates a welcoming, natural look while providing the assurance of a safe and certified playground surface.
Why It Matters
Playgrounds are places where children should feel safe, parents should feel reassured and communities can gather with confidence. Choosing a certified, sustainable product like Softlanding Bark not only protects children from unnecessary risks, it also contributes to healthier, greener public spaces.
With Bassett Barks Softlanding Bark you are investing in safety, sustainability and long-term peace of mind.
Available now for local councils, schools, childcare providers and large-scale commercial developers. Enquire today to see how Softlanding Bark can support your next project.
With Bassett Barks Softlanding Bark, you’re investing in safety, sustainability and long-term peace of mind. It’s the natural choice for councils, schools, childcare providers and developers.
Enquire today to see how Softlanding Bark for playground safety can support your next project.
If you are planning, designing, building, or maintaining a playground, refer to the following Australian Standards:
AS/NZS 4486.1:1997
AS 4685:2004 (Parts 1-6)
Find out more about the New Australian Standard for Playground Safety here
For a deeper look at the regulations that guide safe play environments, we recommend exploring Playcheck’s Impact Surface Requirements. This resource outlines the key standards and considerations for playground surfacing, helping operators, designers and communities understand how the right materials can minimise risks while supporting active, engaging play. You can read the full document here
