Primarily used in playground environments, Burgess Matting and Surfacing LTD utilise recycled rubber to provide non-slip, durable, low maintenance and impact-safety surfacing solutions. Poured in a similar fashion to that of concrete, for the past 25 years Burgess Matting has been providing safety in playgrounds throughout New Zealand.

The most recent application of this product can be found at West End School in Palmerston North. When approached by a local designer, Burgess was asked to provide a safety surface that added visual aesthetic and functionality to the construction of the new play area. Burgess worked with the local designer to provide fall height compliance throughout the playground and in conjunction with base materials, Burgess created safety through the thickness and grade of their surface. Typically installed as a 50mm system, the rubber wetpour applies more product per m² than any other substitute product. If fall heights require greater or lesser absorbency, the depth of the rubber system can be altered accordingly.

One challenge that Burgess faced when undertaking the West End job was the importance to imitate different environmental surfaces through tactical colour choices and placement. Under the designer's direction, Burgess poured a red entrance into the play area to imitate the 'red carpet' look, and a tanned-coloured rubber was chosen to surround the fort. Grey/light blue portrayed water around the ship and green rubber surrounded the remaining areas.

A great degree of care and attention was required when installing the rubber system. With random stepping stones, external climbing nets, monkey bar frames and many other obstacles, the benefit of a pouring system meant Burgess had the luxury to provide high quality surfacing throughout all of the areas. Feedback by the designer was that the playground was always going to be top of the range; however, it was the inclusion of rubber surfacing that really enhanced the overall appearance of the playground and finished the job better than he could have anticipated.