We Speak Playground

With the warm weather comes the desire to enjoy the outdoors. As much as the sunshine and warmth draw people to outdoor activities, though, it doesn't take long for things to get too hot. Thankfully, a shade structure provides a versatile and attractive way to protect both equipment -- and the people who want to enjoy it -- from the sun's rays. 

Springtime means more outdoor time -- and not a moment too soon! While playgrounds are known for being spaces for kids, they are just as valuable for the adults in their lives, too. Playgrounds invite parents to get active with their kids, bring them outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunlight, and bond with their children while having fun. 

Everyday the world continues to evolve into an even more fast paced and more diverse environment than it was the day before, and we expect our surroundings to be adaptive enough to accommodate our evolving needs—otherwise we begin to look for the next big thing to help us on our quest to happiness. The playground is much more than an open yard where the kids can run around and play. The modern playground is a curated space of equipment that is a reflection of the community it serves. 

Gone are the days when playgrounds could be installed in a neighborhood with a one-size-fits-all approach. The modern playground is customized to the feel of the neighborhood, often with one-of-a-kind features and additional benefits that will allow the playground to serve children of all age ranges and abilities.

Playgrounds are intended to serve all children, regardless of their physical or intellectual abilities. Unfortunately, not all playgrounds meet this objective. With proper planning and execution, however, you can create a space that meets the needs of everyone. 

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.