For any outfit specialising in children’s play areas, the quality and supply of soft-fall materials is critical. A1 Rubber hits the mark for western-Sydney company, Manuel’s Landscaping & Maintenance, and has done for a long time.
Manuel’s Landscaping & Maintenance is a hard-working and versatile outfit, led by Manuel ‘Manny’ Rojas. Landscape Contractor magazine speaks to a lot of landscapers and industry identities, but few can bring as much good humour and sincerity into a work day as Manny.
“I offer a full package of landscaping services,” offered the owner and director of the Liverpool, NSW-based business. “Retaining walls, fencing, wetpour rubber, decking, playgrounds, and I’m all about safety for kids.”
Project-specific
While the list of services offered by Manuel’s is comprehensive, it’s Australian Standards-approved playgrounds which are the company’s specialty.
It’s also clearly Manny’s passion, just as clear he has a gift for creating interesting, eye-catching and safe play areas.
Manny uses A1 Rubber products, including Shockpad underlays, Opal EPDM paths and playground surfaces, and he installs a lot of Playform animals. As the images here show, Manny’s work offers playground users fabulous opportunities for imaginative interaction with the installations.
From residential to commercial projects, Manny and his experienced team deliver high-quality results that exceed Australian standards.
When Landscape Contractor magazine asked which of A1 Rubber products he used most often, Manny laughed aloud – he laughs a lot – and said, “Oh…all of them, Man!” with a fruity chuckle. “It depends on theproject.”
It did turn out there were a few staples.
Playform
A1 Rubber’s Playform range of animals and shapes brings creativity and fun to playgrounds, early learning centres, and recreational spaces. Made from durable, Australian-recycled rubber, the colourful 3D forms are designed to encourage imaginative play, physical interaction, and safe exploration with their soft, grippy surface. With a range of Australian animals as well as rocks and domes, each Playform piece adds visual interest and inclusive play for children of all ages and abilities.
A1 Rubber’s Playform range is a playful and sustainable addition to any outdoor or indoor play area.
Shockpads
A1 Rubber’s Shockpad underlays are specially engineered to provide critical impact protection, ensuring guaranteed compliance with Australian Standards for fall-height requirements.
Manufactured using recycled tyre rubber, these underlays offer consistent shock absorption and long-term durability, making them ideal for playgrounds, childcare centres, and sports areas. A1 Rubber’s Shockpads are easy to install and suitable for use under both wetpour rubber surfacing, as well as under synthetic grass.
Opal EPDM
A1 Rubber’s Opal EPDM is a vibrant, premium EPDM rubber granule designed for applications requiring bold colour options for exciting designs. Made from virgin EPDM rubber and available in a range of bright colours, Opal EPDM is formulated for the Australian climate and offers great UV stability thanks to its high EP content.
Sticking with it
Manuel’s Landscaping & Maintenance has been using A1 Rubber products for nearly two decades, and it’s a partnership which looks set to continue.
Manny seems very happy with the product and service, that’s for sure.
“I’ve been using their products since I started,” he glowed.
“It’s up and down depending on the job, but sometimes I need a lot of product, a big range or large quantities, and A1 Rubber is always all right with me.
“They’ve been really good. That’s why I stick with them.”
The full catalogue of A1 Rubber products can be viewed at a1rubber.com.