New rubberized preschool playgrounds

IC preschool playgrounds in Ras Beirut and Ain Aar now boast the best specifications in the Middle East.

“The health and safety of our students is our most important priority here at IC,” said IC President, John Johnson. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve IC campus to make it a safer place for our children. What better place then our preschool playgrounds?”

At a cost of $250,000, no money has been spared when it came to ensuring the safety of the school’s youngest students.

While no studies have been conducted in Lebanon, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission quotes that a yearly 50,000 children (in the US) end up in the emergency room because of playground injuries – 80 percent of which occur from a fall from a play equipment. A rubberized playground greatly reduces the chances of such injuries.

Both playgrounds are now covered by a multicolored real instu EPDM rubber flooring that is non allergic, non-toxic and mold-free. There are two levels of rubber thicknesses: a 10cm thickness around the play equipment that is safe for a fall from 2.5m height and a 5cm thickness in all other areas that is safe from a fall from 1.5m height. The rubber, which is made from used tires and considered a “green” alternative, has been tested and certified according to international standards.

While the Ras Beirut playground - designed by Karim Bekdashe - reveals a medley of warm rainbow colors, the Ain Aar playground - designed by Hani Asfour ‘83 - includes a maze and three-dimensional objects.