Aretxabaleta's playgrounds to be renovated with natural material flooring

The City Council has halted the tender process after learning of a study on the potential toxicity of rubber flooring, and is now evaluating new options.

Generic image: Close-up of natural cork granules forming a soft, shock-absorbent surface, with blurred green park elements in the background, bright daylight.
AI

Generic image: Close-up of natural cork granules forming a soft, shock-absorbent surface, with blurred green park elements in the background, bright daylight.

The Aretxabaleta City Council has halted the tender process for the renovation of the Iralabarri and Kurtzebarri playgrounds after a study indicated the potential presence of toxic compounds in the rubber flooring previously used.

The tender was ready for publication when the Council became aware of a study by the Institute of Environmental Diagnosis and Water Research (IDAEA) of the CSIC, which concludes that rubber flooring used in playgrounds may contain toxic substances.
Consequently, the publication of the tender has been suspended, and technicians and companies have been consulted regarding options for shock-absorbing surfaces that meet safety regulations for fall mitigation. The Council is currently analyzing the alternatives received, including those based on cork.
The tender specifications will consider both the toxicity of the materials and the protection against falls.
Based on information from the official source: Ayuntamiento de Aretxabaleta (22/10/2026)