Fibar’s story began in 1979 when founder Robert Heath, an avid equestrian, wondered if shredded wood fibers could create a better, safer training surface for horses than dirt or sand. His idea led to the development of Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) — which he named Fibar — a naturally springy, durable material that soon became the preferred footing for horse facilities across North America. By 1986, Heath recognized its potential for playgrounds, and tests confirmed that Fibar® EWF absorbed impact far better than traditional materials. The company quickly expanded, introducing the FibarSystem300 with built-in drainage, wear mats, and a 25-year warranty, establishing itself as a trusted leader in playground safety surfacing.
Here are several turning points where Fibar influenced the industry:
| Innovation / Milestone | What It Was | Why It Mattered |
|---|---|---|
| FibarSystems & Patented Drainage | Fibar developed full systems (not just loose fill) that included geotextile fabric, drainage strips, and engineered wood fiber. | This made installations more reliable after rain, reduced washouts, and extended usability in diverse climates. |
| Warranty & Liability Insurance | Fibar backed its surfacing systems with long-term warranties and legal protection. | That level of assurance gave specifiers, parks, and communities confidence in choosing Fibar over unknown alternatives. |
| Expansion into Poured-In-Place Rubber | To meet accessibility, design, and durability needs, Fibar added poured-in-place rubber surfacing to its product offering. | This broadened Fibar’s reach — from wood fiber surfaces to seamless, customizable playground designs. |
| Standards, Certification & Safety Leadership |
Fibar surfaces are tested to ASTM standards, certified by IPEMA, designed to meet ADA/ASTM F2075/ASTM F1292 (impact attenuation), and conform to accessibility guidelines. |
By insisting on third-party validation, Fibar raised the bar in the industry for what “safe surfacing” truly means. |
| National Sales & Installation Network | Fibar built a nationwide footprint with experienced sales reps and over 100,000 installations across North America. | This scale helped spread Fibar’s approach and made quality surfacing accessible across the U.S. and Canada |
| Diversification to Other Uses | Fibar’s engineered wood fiber is also used in dog parks and equestrian footing, expanding its domain beyond just playgrounds. | This diversification showcases the versatility of Fibar’s core materials and strengthens its role in broader recreational surfacing. |
Performance + Accessibility
Fibar didn’t settle for just cushioning fall impact — it pushed for surfaces that remain accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and assistive devices. Their systems are designed to compact in a controlled way and maintain firmness, helping meet ADA / ASTM F1951 accessibility standards.
Integrated Solutions, Not Piecemeal Products
Many surfacing providers offer loose-fill materials without addressing drainage, longevity, or maintenance. Fibar’s systems are comprehensive — engineered wood fiber + drainage + warranty. That combo changed expectations across the playground surfacing ecosystem.
Educating Designers, Specifiers & Owners
Fibar invested in CAD files, specification libraries, design resources, and project galleries so that architects and playground planners could more easily specify safer surfaces. See more at: https://fibar.caddetails.com/products
Pushing the Boundaries of Design
With the introduction of poured-in-place rubber, Fibar enabled playgrounds with logos, color patterns, games, and more — combining safety with aesthetics.
Sustainability & Environmental Consciousness
While Fibar’s core is wood fiber (a renewable resource), the company has also emphasized responsible forestry, reduced waste, and hybrid systems that combine materials for durability and resource efficiency.
Across North America, Fibar has completed tens of thousands of playground installations (over 100,000 installations nationwide)
Our Project Gallery features a wide variety of installations across schools, parks, community centers, and inclusive play areas. View our project gallery here.
Through cooperative purchasing contracts (e.g. OMNIA Partners), The Fibar Group has made procurement easier for public institutions. Learn more here.
Fibar remains committed to compliance, safety standards, continuous innovation, and customer support — a reputation built over decades.
For over four decades, The Fibar Group has been the trusted partner for communities nationwide, delivering proven safety surfacing solutions from Engineered Wood Fiber to poured-in-place rubber. Every system is backed by rigorous testing, industry certifications, and an unwavering commitment to quality and safety.
Contact Fibar today to discuss your project and receive a custom quote. Let's build a play space that protects children and stands the test of time.