Every great recreational space starts from the ground up. Long before a playground opens, a running track welcomes athletes, or an outdoor gathering space is filled with activity, the materials beneath the surface are already influencing how that space will perform, look, and last.
At Sparton Enterprises, we know that recycled rubber is more than a raw material. It is the foundation for safer play, long-lasting performance, and more sustainable recreational environments. Since 1969, we have specialized in transforming industrial rubber scrap into premium recycled rubber granules used in playgrounds, athletic facilities, equestrian arenas, landscape applications, and other specialty surfacing systems.
As a proud member of The Surfacing Group, we combine decades of recycling expertise with a commitment to innovation, helping manufacturers reduce waste while supplying the high-quality materials that support exceptional recreational spaces.
Sustainability is about more than recycling. It is about finding smarter ways to repurpose valuable materials without compromising performance.
At Sparton, we collect clean industrial manufacturing scrap—including EPDM, SBR, and natural rubber—from manufacturing facilities and transform it into premium recycled rubber granules. Unlike many recycled rubber products, our process does not rely on recycled tires, allowing us to maintain material consistency, purity, and quality throughout production.
This approach supports a circular manufacturing model by giving industrial by-products a second life instead of sending them to landfills. The result is high-performance recycled rubber that helps create safer, more durable recreational environments while reducing manufacturing waste.
Every recreational surface has a different purpose, but they all depend on high-quality materials.
Whether a surface is designed for playground safety, athletic competition, synthetic turf, or equestrian performance, the rubber beneath the surface directly impacts how the finished system performs over time.
Sparton manufactures both EPDM and SBR rubber granules to meet a wide variety of performance requirements.
EPDM rubber granules are commonly used for:
Because EPDM offers exceptional UV stability and color retention, it helps recreational spaces maintain their appearance for years while standing up to harsh outdoor conditions.
SBR rubber granules and buffings provide excellent durability and shock absorption for applications such as:
Together, these materials give designers, installers, and facility owners the flexibility to build surfacing systems that balance safety, durability, aesthetics, and long-term performance.
One of the most important roles recycled rubber plays is helping create safer play environments.
Modern playground surfacing is designed to reduce impact forces during falls while creating smooth, accessible surfaces for children of all abilities. EPDM rubber granules are frequently used in poured-in-place safety surfacing because they create seamless wear layers that combine impact attenuation with exceptional design flexibility.
The surface itself can also contribute to a better overall play experience. Color, texture, and thoughtful layouts help define activity areas, guide movement, encourage imaginative play, and improve accessibility for users with mobility devices.
When selected and installed properly, recycled rubber becomes much more than a safety surface—it becomes an important part of how children experience the playground.
Today's recreational surfaces are expected to do more than meet safety requirements.
They help tell a story.
Sparton's colored EPDM rubber granules allow designers to create vibrant playgrounds, athletic facilities, parks, and community spaces that remain visually appealing over time. Because EPDM is engineered to resist UV degradation and weathering, colors stay brighter longer while maintaining consistent performance.
Whether creating themed playground graphics, colorful pathways, school mascots, or custom recreational designs, recycled rubber allows the surface to become an active part of the user experience rather than simply the ground beneath it.
Athletic facilities place unique demands on surfacing systems.
Running tracks, training facilities, and sports venues require surfaces that provide energy return, traction, durability, and consistent performance through years of heavy use.
Many athletic systems utilize a layered construction approach. SBR granules often serve as the resilient base layer that absorbs impact and provides cushioning, while EPDM granules create the durable, weather-resistant top surface that delivers traction, color, and long-term wear resistance.
This combination allows each material to perform where it excels, creating athletic surfaces built for both performance and longevity.
Recycled rubber serves far more applications than many people realize.
Sparton's materials are used in:
In equestrian arenas, recycled rubber can improve footing stability, increase cushioning, and help reduce dust within indoor riding environments. In synthetic turf systems, rubber infill helps support athlete comfort and consistent field performance. Across countless recreational applications, recycled rubber continues to deliver dependable performance while extending the useful life of surfacing systems.
The best recreational spaces are designed to perform well long after opening day.
That requires materials that support safety, durability, sustainability, and long-term value.
For nearly 60 years, Sparton Enterprises has helped manufacturers and surfacing professionals transform industrial rubber scrap into premium recycled rubber products that serve communities across North America. Our recycled rubber materials are available in multiple granule sizes and packaging options to support projects of every scale, from local playground installations to large athletic facilities.
As part of The Surfacing Group, we remain committed to helping create recreational environments that are safer, more colorful, and more sustainable—one surface at a time.
Whether you're designing a playground, athletic facility, synthetic turf installation, equestrian arena, or another recreational space, Sparton Enterprises provides the recycled rubber materials and technical expertise to help your project succeed.
Explore our recycled rubber products, discover our Color Mixer Tool, or contact our team to learn how premium recycled rubber can help bring your next project to life.