Hi, My grandkids constantly got splinters from the bark under their swingset. Rubber mulch has a reputation for being extremely hot in warm weather. Can't speak for pea gravel.

Wolfinbarger's in Chino has all sorts of landscape dirt, gravels, etc. They have it layed out in sections you can walk on to see if you like it or not. I don't work there, just buy my cactus soil supplies there. There's a link below.

Here's my solution for under the kid's swings. I found a chunk of fake grass on the curb. It had a sign with my name on it. My name is spelled F R E E, lol. People throw it away because it gets too hot to walk on. I found 5 used restaurant rubber grease mats in a dumpster, and didn't have a clue what to do with either when I drug them home. One of the mats is below the gate in the photo. I removed the bark from under the swings, put 2 of the mats down for padding, and laid the fake grass over them. The grass is held down with garden staples. The best thing about this is that the grass doesn't get hot above the mats. It's been there for more than a year with no problems. I mostly hang around on the Garden Junk forum, so always look for stuff to use in the yard. These mats may be available used at restaurant supply stores. There are a few of them in Colton. Don't forget Craigslist, Freecycle, etc. Tell everyone you know what you're looking for. Sometimes it will show up on your porch. I'm also in the SGV, near Pomona. Hope this gives you some ideas. Linda

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Here is a link that might be useful: Wolfinbarger

Hi:
Thanks for the suggestions, that's a good idea. I have a large area so I'm trying to think of the best cost to lay down before I put the play ground up.

Thanks for the idea, I'm going to have to consider your idea.
Jeff

Linda those are some gorgeous gates.
Renee