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SafeBase Certified Shockpad System

The SafeBase Certified Shockpad System is a professionally engineered impact-absorbing foundation installed beneath premium artificial grass to help create safer, longer-lasting playgrounds. Independently tested to recognised playground safety standards, SafeBase provides certified impact protection for qualifying playground equipment while maintaining the natural appearance and low-maintenance benefits of artificial grass.

Designed for childcare centres, schools, community playgrounds and commercial play areas, SafeBase forms part of a complete playground surfacing system that supports safer outdoor environments without compromising performance or appearance.

Engineered Protection Beneath Every Surface

SafeBase combines certified impact protection, drainage and engineered performance beneath premium artificial grass, creating a complete surfacing system designed for safer, longer-lasting play spaces.

Independently Tested

Independently tested to NZS 5828:2015 and EN 1177:2018 as part of certified playground surfacing systems.

Certified Impact Protection

Provides certified impact protection beneath qualifying playground equipment.

Free-Draining System

Works with premium artificial grass to create a clean, durable and free-draining playground surface.

Multiple System Options

Available in different SafeBase thicknesses to suit a range of playground applications and Critical Fall Height (CFH) requirements.

What Is the SafeBase Certified Shockpad System?

SafeBase is an impact-absorbing shockpad system installed beneath artificial grass to create a cushioned layer between the finished turf and the prepared base below.

While the shockpad is hidden once installation is complete, it plays an important role in the performance of the finished surface. In playground applications, SafeBase can be configured to provide the level of impact protection required for the Critical Fall Height (CFH) of the playground equipment above.

Different SafeBase thicknesses provide different levels of impact protection, allowing the surfacing system to be selected according to the requirements of each project. Unreal Lawns currently uses 30 mm and 50 mm SafeBase systems for certified playground applications, with additional configurations available where greater Critical Fall Height protection is required.

SafeBase can also be used in sports and recreational applications, where thinner shockpad systems such as 10 mm can provide additional cushioning and comfort beneath artificial turf.

SafeBase Certified Shockpad System

How SafeBase Helps Protect Playground Users

Playgrounds are designed to encourage children to climb, explore and develop confidence, but wherever elevated playground equipment is installed, falls need to be considered as part of the surfacing design.

SafeBase provides an impact-absorbing layer beneath the artificial grass that helps reduce the force of an impact if a child falls from playground equipment. The level of protection required depends on the Critical Fall Height (CFH) of the equipment above.

Rather than using the same shockpad beneath every playground, the SafeBase system can be configured using different thicknesses to achieve different certified Critical Fall Heights. This allows the surfacing system to be matched to the requirements of the individual playground.

Critical Fall Height Matters

Critical Fall Height is the maximum fall height for which a playground surfacing system has demonstrated the required impact attenuation performance during testing.

For this reason, the playground equipment, required CFH and surfacing system should be considered together when selecting the appropriate SafeBase configuration.

Certified Play Surface Comparison

SafeBase System Options

SafeBase is available in different thicknesses to suit the performance requirements of each project. The appropriate configuration depends on how the area will be used, whether certified Critical Fall Height protection is required and the level of cushioning needed beneath the artificial grass.

10 mm SafeBase – Sports & Comfort

The 10 mm SafeBase system is designed primarily for sports, recreation and comfort applications where additional cushioning is beneficial but certified playground Critical Fall Height protection is not required.

Installed beneath artificial turf, it can help create a more forgiving surface underfoot while supporting the performance and comfort requirements of sports and recreational areas.

30 mm SafeBase – Up to 1.5 m CFH

The 30 mm SafeBase system provides certified impact protection for playground applications requiring a Critical Fall Height of up to 1.5 metres.

It is well suited to many childcare, school and lower-height playground environments where impact-absorbing surfacing is required beneath play equipment.

50 mm SafeBase – Up to 2.4 m CFH

The 50 mm SafeBase system provides greater impact absorption for playground equipment requiring a Critical Fall Height of up to 2.4 metres.

This system is suited to higher playground structures and applications where increased certified impact protection is required.

Higher Critical Fall Heights

For projects requiring greater impact protection, additional SafeBase configurations can be supplied to achieve certified Critical Fall Heights of up to 3.0 metres, subject to the specific requirements of the playground and surfacing system.

The correct SafeBase thickness should always be selected according to the playground equipment, required CFH and overall project design.

Independently Tested to Recognised Playground Safety Standards

Impact protection is only meaningful when the performance of the surfacing system has been properly tested. SafeBase playground systems have been independently tested to recognised playground safety standards, providing documented Critical Fall Height performance for appropriate system configurations.

NZS 5828:2015 is the recognised New Zealand playground equipment and surfacing standard. SafeBase certified playground configurations have been independently tested to demonstrate impact attenuation performance in accordance with the standard.

EN 1177:2018 is an internationally recognised standard for impact-attenuating playground surfacing and the determination of Critical Fall Height. SafeBase has also been independently tested against this standard.

Why Independent Testing Matters

Independent testing provides measurable evidence of how a complete surfacing system performs under impact. This allows the appropriate SafeBase configuration to be selected according to the Critical Fall Height requirements of the playground equipment rather than relying on assumptions about shockpad thickness or cushioning.

Where SafeBase Is Used

SafeBase can be configured for a range of artificial grass applications, from certified playground surfacing to sports and recreational areas where additional cushioning and comfort are required.

Childcare Centres

SafeBase provides certified impact protection beneath qualifying playground equipment while allowing childcare centres to maintain the clean, natural appearance and year-round usability of premium artificial grass.

Schools

From playgrounds and outdoor learning areas to recreational spaces, SafeBase can be configured to suit the different performance requirements found across school environments.

Commercial & Community Playgrounds

SafeBase provides a durable impact-absorbing foundation for commercial and community playgrounds, with different system configurations available to suit the Critical Fall Height requirements of the playground equipment.

Sports & Recreation

For sports and recreational applications, thinner SafeBase systems can provide additional cushioning and comfort beneath artificial turf without requiring a playground CFH-rated system.

Built Into the Surface From the Ground Up

The performance of a SafeBase system depends on more than the shockpad alone. Each installation is designed as a complete artificial grass surfacing system, with careful preparation of the ground, effective drainage, the appropriate SafeBase configuration and professional installation of the artificial grass above.

Professional Base Preparation

A stable, correctly prepared base provides the foundation for the entire system. The site is excavated, graded and prepared to support drainage, stability and the long-term performance of the finished surface.

SafeBase Installation

The appropriate SafeBase shockpad is installed over the prepared base according to the requirements of the project. For playground applications, the system configuration is selected to suit the required Critical Fall Height.

Premium Artificial Grass

Premium artificial grass is professionally installed over the SafeBase layer, creating the finished surface users see and enjoy while the impact-absorbing system remains protected underneath.

Designed to Perform as a Complete System

From the prepared base through to the finished artificial grass, every layer plays a role in the performance, drainage, durability and safety of the completed surface.

SafeBase system
Certified Shockpad System

More Than Impact Protection

SafeBase is designed to work beneath premium artificial grass as part of a complete surfacing system, providing benefits that extend beyond impact protection alone.

Consistent Underfoot Performance

Unlike loose-fill playground materials that can move, spread or develop uneven areas through everyday use, SafeBase remains protected beneath the artificial grass, providing a consistent foundation across the surface.

Excellent Drainage

The SafeBase system works together with the artificial grass and professionally prepared base to allow water to drain through the surface, helping playgrounds and recreational areas recover quickly after rain.

Hidden Beneath the Surface

Once installed, SafeBase is completely concealed beneath the artificial grass. The finished area retains the clean, natural appearance of premium turf while the shock-absorbing layer performs underneath.

Built for Long-Term Use

Protected beneath the artificial grass, SafeBase becomes part of a durable surfacing system designed for demanding environments such as childcare centres, schools, playgrounds and recreational areas.

SafeBase + Cool Turf 5-in-1 Technology

SafeBase works beneath the surface, while Unreal Lawns’ Cool Turf 5-in-1 Technology enhances the performance of the premium artificial grass above.

Together, these technologies form part of a complete artificial grass system designed to deliver the right combination of impact protection, comfort, drainage, durability and long-term performance for each application.

Two Technologies. One Complete System.

SafeBase Certified Shockpad System
Provides the impact-absorbing foundation beneath the artificial grass, with certified configurations available to meet playground Critical Fall Height requirements.

Cool Turf 5-in-1 Technology
Enhances the artificial grass above with five integrated technologies developed to improve the comfort, durability and long-term performance of the finished surface.

Explore Cool Turf 5-in-1 Technology 

Why Choose Unreal Lawns for SafeBase?

Choosing the right shockpad is only one part of creating a high-performing artificial grass surface. The system also needs to be designed around the site, intended use, drainage requirements and, for playgrounds, the Critical Fall Height of the equipment.

Unreal Lawns provides a complete solution, from initial assessment and system selection through to professional base preparation, SafeBase installation and the finished premium artificial grass surface.

System Designed for Your Project

We assess the requirements of each site individually and recommend the appropriate SafeBase configuration for the intended application.

Professional Installation

SafeBase is installed as part of a complete artificial grass system by an experienced Unreal Lawns installation team.

Certified Playground Options

Where Critical Fall Height protection is required, we can specify an independently tested SafeBase playground configuration appropriate for the equipment and project requirements.

One Complete Artificial Grass Solution

From the prepared base and SafeBase system through to premium artificial grass and Cool Turf 5-in-1 Technology, every layer is considered as part of the finished surface.

Artificial Grass Playground Surfacing
SafeBase Certified Shockpad System
SafeBase Commercial & Community Playgrounds

Learn More About SafeBase & Playground Surfacing

SafeBase is one part of creating a safe, durable and high-performing artificial grass surface. Explore our related guides, solutions and technologies to learn more about playground safety, Critical Fall Height and choosing the right artificial grass system for your project.

Playground Safety Guides

. Playground Safety Standards for Childcare Centres – Critical Fall Height, safety standards and certified playground surfacing.

. Childcare Playground Surfacing – Compare artificial grass, bark, wet pour rubber and natural grass.

. Artificial Grass vs Bark for Childcare Centres – Compare safety, drainage, maintenance and long-term value.

Products & Technology

. Cool Turf 5-in-1 Technology – Explore our exclusive artificial grass performance technology.

. Artificial Grass Products – Compare our premium artificial grass range.

. Professional Artificial Grass Installation – Learn about professional preparation, drainage and installation.

Explore Our Solutions

. Artificial Grass for Childcare Centres – Playground and outdoor learning solutions for childcare centres.

. Artificial Grass for Schools – Artificial grass for playgrounds, recreation and outdoor learning.

. Commercial Artificial Grass – Solutions for commercial and community environments.

. Sports Artificial Grass – Artificial turf for sports and recreational applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SafeBase Certified Shockpad System?

Is SafeBase independently tested?

What Critical Fall Height can SafeBase achieve?

What SafeBase thickness does my playground need?

Does all playground artificial grass need a shockpad?

Can SafeBase be used for sports areas?

Can you see the SafeBase shockpad after installation?

Is SafeBase suitable for childcare centres, schools and commercial playgrounds?

Need the Right SafeBase System for Your Project?

Every playground, school, childcare centre and recreational space has different requirements. Unreal Lawns can assess your site, intended use and Critical Fall Height requirements to help determine the appropriate SafeBase and artificial grass system for your project.

From professional base preparation and drainage through to SafeBase installation and premium artificial grass, we provide a complete surfacing solution designed around your site.

Talk to Unreal Lawns About Your Project

Childcare playground with high play equipment and shade sails