What is Gaga?
Gaga Ball is a fast paced, competitive game. It is almost like dodgeball, but is considered a safer version of the game. The game is played in an enclosed area that is known as the ‘pit’ and is becoming increasingly popular in schools, summer camps, and in play areas due to its simplicity.
The goal of Gaga Ball is to be the last person standing. Players use a soft foam or rubber ball and try to eliminate others by hitting them below the waist. At the same time they need to dodge the ball themselves. If the ball hits a player anywhere below the waist, the player must leave the pit.
The Benefits of Grassmats in Gaga Ball Pits
Gaga Ball is a favourite for both kids and adults and since the setup is incredibly easy, it’s the ideal way to burn off some excess energy. However, like any game, the safety and durability of the playground flooring can be a concern. A solution for this concern is to use rubber grass mats, but why?
Improve Playground Safety
The main concern when setting up any play area, no matter if it is a residential playground or a public one, is the safety of the participants. Gaga ball pits are typically built outdoors, typically on hard surfaces such as dirt, sand or grass. While they are a common playground surface, they pose several risks:
- Slips and falls – Grass, especially when wet, can become slippery and increase the risk of falls. In a similar sense, dirt can become slick and uneven which makes falls far more likely.
- Impact injuries – When players fall, the surface that they land on can make a huge difference. Hard ground can cause scrapes and bruises, even more serious injuries. Uneven surfaces can even lead to twisted ankles.
Rubber playground mats, such as grassmats, present a playground surfacing option that protects players and minimises the risk of injuries. The slip resistant surface minimises the risk of players injuring themselves.
As the mats are shock absorbent, they provide fall protection by minimising the impact that a fall would make. The design allows grass to grow through the mats while keeping the playing field even – making them the ideal safe surfacing option.
Durability and Maintenance
When you play gaga ball, the ground you’re playing on is naturally exposed to constant foot traffic during gameplay. Commonly, this means that over time pits become uneven and develop bald patches or ruts in the ground. This is where grassmats really excel:
- Preventing soil erosion – Constant movement can quickly wear down the ground, but grass mats help to protect the soil and grass beneath them which helps to preserve the natural surfaces.
- Weather resistant – Grassmats are designed to withstand all kinds of weather. Unlike untreated grass or dirt they don’t become muddy after a heavy downpour. The design of a grassmat rubber tiles means that water can drain through them, keeping the playing area firm and ready for action.
- Minimal grass damage – The nature of a grassmat allows grass to grow through, keeping the play zone green while preventing heavy foot traffic from breaking down the grass too quickly. Over time, this helps to maintain the natural aesthetic and feel of the pit without needing constant lawn repair.
Traction and Grip
Gaga is a fast moving game that requires almost constant movement within a confined space. On a regular dirt or grass surface, slipping is likely. If players are flailing around, they’re not likely going to play their best game and might injure themselves in the process.
The recycled rubber of a grassmat ensures texture and grip, while significantly improving traction. The non-slip surface ensures that players have good footing, even in wet conditions, reducing slips allows for smoother, more competitive gameplay.
Sustainable Solution
A significant benefit of grassmats is their eco friendly nature. While traditional solid rubber playground mats can be harmful to the environment and reduce natural habitats, grassmats are a more sustainable choice:
- Encourage grass growth – the holes in grassmats promote natural grass growth, allowing the area of play to remain green and healthy. Thanks to this, there is far less need for chemical lawn treatments or the installation of artificial lawns, which is far better for helping the natural environment.
- Recycled material – Our grassmats are made using recycled rubber, so that you can be assured you are minimising your environmental impact and promoting sustainability. Opting for grassmats is therefore a more sustainable choice.
Ease of Installation
One of the most appealing elements of a grassmat is their versatility. They can be used in far more locations than just gaga ball pits, they are also great for playgrounds, outdoor gyms and picnic areas. This means that if you decide to expand your recreation space, your grassmat can easily be repurposed.
Installation is super simple. Grassmats can be joined together easily using zip ties and secured to the ground using pegs. There is no need for specialised installation equipment – simply lay them on the ground. Over time grass will grow through and you’ll have a seamless, natural, playground flooring.
There are multiple benefits to using a grass mat in a gaga ball pit, from enhancing safety to promoting sustainability. No matter where you’re planning on placing your Gaga pit, incorporating a grassmat can significantly improve the overall gameplay experience.