Xyst was engaged to provide an assessment of Avalon Parks playground surfacing.
Staff conducted comprehensive on-site surface impact testing using a Head Injury Criterion (HIC) meter. The park’s main playground, which opened in 2016, has rubber pour surfacing that is now approaching its end-of-life, necessitating a detailed audit. Our testing was completed in collaboration with Hutt City Council staff, measuring the performance of both unitary surfacing (rubber pour) and loose soft fall (certified wood chip and sand) as a comparison.
Our testing paid particular attention to the impact time, the HIC value, and Gmax, which are crucial metrics for determining a surface’s ability to absorb shock and prevent serious head injuries. The inspections also successfully identified areas of concern, including cuts, splits, missing rubber pour, and disbursed loose fill material. Following the audit, the council received detailed impact testing certificates and actionable recommendations to help prioritise the replacement of non-compliant surfaces, ensuring the playground remains a safe and compliant public space.
