When I’m impressed by a playground or play environment, it’s sometimes about the playground design or equipment, but not always.
While a fabulous playground design will definitely catch my eye, I’m often doing double takes for other aspects entirely.
Like shade.
Having worked in multiple preschool environments and experienced playtimes on sweltering hot days in playground environments that often lacked adequate shading, I know about heat stress from this perspective. In such situations, you also need to make sure the young kids are not putting themselves at risk by playing in direct sunlight and brutal heat and that they stay hydrated.
Years later, as a parent to two children myself as well as an urbanist who loves to explore, I began seeing and experiencing playgrounds from that new lens, as a parent.
My oldest child has outgrown playgrounds, but my youngest still enjoys them. I’ve been ‘investigating’ and experiencing playgrounds from this parental lens for about 11 years now, in multiple cities, cultures, and countries.
No matter how amazing the playground design may be, if there is a lack of proper shade, I’m definitely not a repeat visitor during the hot months.
Aspects of shade, public toilet infrastructure nearby, and comfortable and ample seating for caregivers are all really important elements for playground environments.
I look forward to doing a ‘playground study and survey’ with fellow parents in my new city of residence.
Do you have a memory of a great playground experience that was great due to aspects beyond the play equipment?