Nothing Beats the Thrill of the Playground

It’s no secret why children love the playground. It can’t be matched when it comes to outdoor playtime that is free, accessible, and exciting! Often, it can be a place for great periods of exploration, physical activity, and uninterrupted play; and after a year of remote learning and “Zoom school,” it can also be a much-needed break from the use of screens and technology.

Playgrounds bring children outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, at the same time providing a chance to stretch limbs and brains while enjoying an adventure. Play on the playground offers an almost infinite number of play scenarios and almost as many developmental benefits to the child. Playgrounds are often a place for children to experience their first round of risky play like climbing high, swinging or sliding fast, and exploring “dangerous” elements. This kind of play helps children build confidence, make quick decisions and judgments, and engage in planning. Playgrounds also provide a multitude of gross-motor (big movement) activities that strengthen core muscles and aid in the child’s health and fitness development as well as fine motor development (small movement) that occurs when children grip swing chains, climb monkey bars, and so on.

While we want children to have the thrilling experience that comes from exploring the playground, we also want to practice good safety measures to prevent unnecessary injuries. Surfaces should be adequate to prevent injuries from falls, equipment should be spaced well apart to avoid collisions, and climbing equipment should be free from debris or other entrapment points. Children won’t even realize the safety measure is in place, nor will the safety aspects interfere with the play experiences that happen on the playground. When play spaces are well-maintained, adults can enjoy the playground right along with their child, knowing that precautions are in place.

Now is the perfect time to take a look at your playground with an eye towards safety and Brightside Up offers Playground Safety inspections! Contact Heather Sweet at hsweet@brightsideup.org