Technical Spotlight: The Realism of GFRC

At Havenbrook, the StoneWood Log Steppers are utilized as a transition climber, leading children up to a platform. What sets these apart from standard composite or plastic climbing "blocks" is the manufacturing process.

Our StoneWood line is cast from actual timber using high-MPa, fibre-reinforced concrete. This creates a texture that is virtually indistinguishable from a real log, providing children with a tactile, sensory experience that mimics a forest scramble.

Enhancing the EWF Experience: The FallSafe Hybrid
Havenbrook Park utilizes Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) to maintain its organic, woodsy aesthetic. While EWF is an excellent impact-attenuation material, it is notorious for displacement in high-traffic zones—specifically under swings and at slide exits.

For Toronto parks aiming for the Havenbrook look, we recommend a Hybrid Surfacing Approach. By integrating our FallSafe Resilient Rubber Matting, you can protect those critical wear zones.

Aesthetic Continuity: These mats are made from bonded rubber mulch, which mimics the grain and texture of EWF. They blend into the landscape while providing "plug-and-play" durability.

Maintenance Savings: By installing these mats over the EWF in high-wear areas, park owners can prevent the "pitting" that often leads to safety non-compliance under CSA Z614-20 standards.

Local Impact: Building Resilience in the GTA
Whether you are designing a new community hub in North York or refreshing an existing playground in Toronto, the goal is always the same: Staying Power. By choosing nature-inspired components that hold their own against the elements—like the StoneWood series—you ensure the park looks as good in Year 10 as it did on opening day. The Havenbrook Park install is a testament to how modular GFRC pieces can elevate a standard composite structure into a rugged, forest-inspired adventure.