The SMARTE™ Story
SMARTE™ Playground Surface System was the result of a research and development grant funded by Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs' Tire Recovery Program. The grant was fueled by the pressing need to develop a playground surface that utilizes recycled car tires, while creating a user-friendly, affordable surfacing system that meets all crucial ASTM standards for Head Impact Attenuation and Wheelchair Accessibility.
The research and preliminary testing were done at Illinois Park and Recreation Association headquarters. In the summer of 2003, full SMARTE™ surface systems were installed at Illinois Park District playgrounds. The participating park districts provided their maintenance staff to do the installations. After numerous successful installations throughout the park districts of Illinois, SMARTE™ has evolved into the affordable solution for playground safety, accessibility, maintenance and installation.
