--- title: "Fibar’s 40-Year Journey: Innovating Playground Surfacing" description: Discover how The Fibar Group transformed playground safety with Engineered Wood Fiber and four decades of innovation, sustainability, and trust. --- [Blog - Surfacing Information & More - Fibar ](https://www.fibar.com/blog) # [Fibar’s 40-Year Journey: Innovating Playground Surfacing](https://www.fibar.com/blog/fibars-40-year-journey-innovating-playground-surfacing-since-the-beginning) Written by [Fibar Team](https://www.fibar.com/blog/author/fibar-team) | Oct. 17, 2025 ## The Origins of Fibar 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. ## Key Innovations & Milestones 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. | ## How Fibar Raised the Industry Standard 1. **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. 2. **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. 3. **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](https://fibar.caddetails.com/products) 4. **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. 5. **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. ## Fibar Today: Impact, Reach & Legacy - 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](https://www.fibar.com/project-gallery). - Through cooperative purchasing contracts (e.g. OMNIA Partners), The Fibar Group has made procurement easier for public institutions. Learn more [here](https://www.fibar.com/who-we-are#OMNIA-Partnership). - Fibar remains committed to compliance, safety standards, continuous innovation, and customer support — a reputation built over decades. ## Get a Quote from Fibar 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](https://www.fibar.com/contact-us) to discuss your project and receive a custom quote. Let's build a play space that protects children and stands the test of time. 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