We Speak Playground

Why should families have to do research before going to a playground, just to make sure that all of their kids will enjoy the experience, no matter their age?

What’s called for are age inclusive playgrounds. That way, no one feels left out, and there will be more fun to be had by all. After all, the more people you include at a playground, the more opportunities for kids to meet and expand their world through contact with people from different walks of life.

You and your colleagues are planning to build a new playground, but it’s been a long time since you’ve played at one yourself. Chances are that you may have forgotten some terms for equipment and situations at playgrounds. Or, you may have lost track of what kinds of equipment is typically installed at playgrounds, and you want to make sure that you have a good list from which to choose.

No worries! At May Recreation, we specialize in playgrounds and would like to present these common playground terms to you today to help you in your preparation.

Are today's children (and their millennial parents) starved for risk taking? The popularity of reality shows like Survivor and Wipeout would suggest this is true as would their penchant for video games like Minecraft and Fortnite. All offer vicarious risk-taking from the safety and comfort of their homes.

Many people don’t understand how important it is for children to play and learn how to play. They often see it as something inconsequential that children do to have fun or let off steam. The truth is though, is that play is very important for a child’s emotional, physical, psychological, and social development. It helps them not only learn how to function in the world but also how to understand and navigate it.

Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, educators understood the value of taking their students outdoors for learning experiences.

Many faith-based organizations and worship centers are now making a substantial contribution to children’s lives and to their general development. It is pretty typical for these facilities to have childcare centers, pre-schools, and even kindergartens. Having a playground that is safe and fun just makes sense in today’s modern church. 

Community and commercial playgrounds are designed and built to last for years and years of enjoyment, but all playgrounds must be assessed annually for equipment that needs to be upgraded or replaced.

If you are the head of your local homeowners’ association or a developer designing a new neighborhood, including plans for a playground is a wise investment. Playgrounds and recreation spaces benefit your area by attracting quality tenants and homeowners, increasing property value, and enhancing the quality of life for families. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly arrived in March 2020 many kids across the U.S. went overnight from a normal childhood environment where technology had a limited role to a digital-first world with school districts shutting down and lockdowns preventing outside play.

While the lockdowns eased and some school districts got back to in-person learning, or hybrid approaches, in the fall of 2020, other areas of the country had kids learning online for a full year.

As an adult with responsibilities at work and at home, carving out time to play may seem like a luxury you can’t easily afford. But just as there are benefits for children playing outside with their peers, there’s also something to be said for parents spending time with their offspring at a local park or playground.

Read on for insight into why you will want to be playing with your child.