Playing isn't just for enjoyment. It's a way for children to develop skills, learn habits, and (of course) burn off some extra energy, too! The idea of play is shifting as organized activities and supervised play are becoming more popular. Just a few decades ago, it was common for kids to play in the streets unsupervised for hours on end. Today, things have changed, and parents are putting their kids in after-school sports and activities to keep them occupied.
That said, free play remains vital as it gives children a sense of independence and promotes autonomy. Even more so, free play on playgrounds is instrumental to communities as it allows kids to be themselves while interacting with others of similar ages. With this in mind, here are a few of the reasons why schools and parks should invest in quality playgrounds.
1. Foster Community
A playground acts as a third space, a gathering place for families to meet up and interact with one another. In today's world, it's all too easy for everyone to stay within their bubbles. Many of us have the same daily routine: school dropoff, commuting to work, driving kids to extracurriculars, coming home, eating dinner, and repeating it the next day. Third spaces, like playgrounds, act as centralized destinations for locals to form genuine relationships. For schools and parks, a playground can serve as an opportunity to develop and foster community.
When you head to a playground, there are likely some people that you've seen before and others that you haven't met yet. For children, these interactions are a way to either deepen friendships or engage with new children. These social engagements teach children how to behave around others, take turns, and resolve conflicts. At recess, for example, school playground equipment with one swing set will require children to wait patiently until they are next in line to take a turn.
For parents and caregivers, a playground is a social hub. It's an opportunity for parents to swap stories, connect over shared interests, and build their social networks. It's also a way to introduce yourself to other parents within your child's school, potentially building friendships that will last for years to come. Many parents see these exchanges as positive, boosting their own self-esteem, knowing that others are going through similar challenges.
2. Aid in Physical Activity
Childhood obesity continues to be an epidemic. According to the CDC, about one out of every five U.S. children is considered obese. Unhealthy eating habits and environmental influences are some of the reasons why children struggle with their weight. Another reason is a lack of physical activity. Due to the rise of technology and digital devices, kids are even more sedentary. Instead of running outside with friends or participating in extracurricular sports, children are prone to playing video games or watching YouTube for hours.
While a playground can't solve the obesity problem as a whole, it can play a significant role in aiding physical activity and promoting exercise. Schools and local parks that want to take a stance on the obesity epidemic should consider building playgrounds with various structures and modalities. Monkey bars help children develop upper body strength, while swings can help with core strength. A climbing wall, balance beam, or spinner can test children's coordination and balance.
Zoning equipment in different areas can ensure that there is enough play space and different activities for kids of all ages. Consider dividing the playground into sections, such as one for smaller children and one for larger kids. Mapping the playground ahead of time will help ensure that everyone is getting the physical activity that they need without feeling bored or left out. Not to mention, this type of planning can be especially beneficial for schools that need to accommodate kids of varying skill levels.
3. Boost Cognitive Development
Children take in everything around them. They are constantly learning just by taking in everything they see and witness. They mimic what their parents and siblings do and react to what children in their classroom are doing. This observational learning is only enhanced when they connect with those of a similar age on a school or park playground.
Playgrounds teach children how to solve problems and make decisions. If too many kids are on the spinner, the structure will go off balance. A climbing wall or structure will teach children how to strategize their next move to get to the top. The same goes for a rope bridge, where one quick move may cause them to lose their balance and tumble. Children will have to work together to make decisions and learn how to work together so everyone can partake in the fun.
Playgrounds are also a jumping point for imaginative play. A themed playground at a park or school can take children to a far-off land of pirates and princesses. Mini tree houses can have children acting as birds as they soar up into the sky above. Even if the playground isn't themed, children will inevitably create their own games and scenarios. They may use the structures around them, like climbing areas and sand pits, as inspiration for their imaginary play.
Conclusion
School and park playgrounds provide children with opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. They give children the chance to explore, take risks, and interact with those their age through unstructured playtime. The benefits of installing commercial play equipment can be rewarding for years to come as the children mature and take these learned behaviors and skills with them into adulthood.
