For many, parks are the heartbeat of the community. They are the destinations where their children learned how to ride their bicycles. They are where they trained their puppy on how to sit. They are where they celebrate friends’ birthdays, engagements, and baby showers. For these reasons, parks are essential to the livelihood of a neighborhood.
A good park will feature benches for visitors and perhaps some picnic tables as well. There will be plenty of shade from trees and possibly a covered pavilion for gatherings. Athletic fields might also be available for local softball and soccer games, while tennis courts can be used by the community for recreation. And, of course, a well-maintained playground will attract families from near and far for their kids to play safely.
Modern playgrounds can transform the usage of a park. While a grassy space may be welcoming for adults and dogs, it won’t entertain the children as long as a dedicated play space will! Read on for a few reasons why modern playgrounds in parks are boosting community engagement.
Innovative, Accessible Designs
Modern playground equipment is intended to be utilized by all children, regardless of their physical or developmental needs. Adaptive equipment means that children in wheelchairs can go on the same merry-go-round as those who are able to stand on their own two feet. Swings with higher backs and harnesses can also accommodate those with different needs.
If space permits, parks can have different play zones within the playground area. A quieter area with sandboxes, sensory surfaces, and water elements can be good for children who get overstimulated with too many children or loud noises. Meanwhile, a bucket swingset for younger ones can be placed near age-appropriate equipment such as lower climbing walls. For older children and tweens, higher ladders, climbing nets, and rope swings can be installed to challenge their physical and cognitive development.
Knowing that the playground is equipped for all children will be more attractive to parents and caregivers. They’ll seek out going to the park more often because they know their children will be welcomed and entertained by the equipment.
Interactive, Outdoor Play
With the increasing use of technology, most families are becoming aware of the importance of outdoor play and recreation. Staring at a screen all day isn’t beneficial for anyone — especially children. However, it’s common for even young children to be taught how to use devices such as laptops, mobile phones, and tablets for learning. In their free time, they may be compelled to play video games. As a result, finding the time to squeeze in outdoor play is becoming increasingly difficult.
Having a nearby modern playground makes it all that much easier for parents, babysitters, and nannies to find the time for recreational play. Not only does outdoor play boost physical health, but it can improve fine and gross motor skills, too. As children develop, they need to master certain skills that can be learned on the playground. Jumping, running, climbing, and swinging improve gross motor skills. Fine motor skills can be learned by climbing a ladder or grasping onto monkey bars.
Additionally, cognitive skills are also learned through outdoor play. Children will need to problem-solve as they work with others to get across the rope ladder or build a castle in the sandbox. They’ll need to learn about spatial awareness as they play together, as well as how to compromise and collaborate. After all, it’s only fair if everyone has a turn on the slide!
Communal Destination
Parks with updated playgrounds become a destination for community-wide engagement. Parks are an example of “third places” — a public location where residents regularly connect with other neighbors. They are destinations outside of home, work, and school where people can freely gather and converse with one another. Because of this, parks are a great spot to meet the new neighbor that moved down the street or learn about school happenings and new businesses coming to town. That’s why parks are just as much of a social hub for kids playing as they are for adults!
These third spaces are also destinations for events and activities. Birthday parties can be hosted at the nearby pavilion, allowing children to freely play before celebrating with snacks and cake. Other community-driven events, such as an end-of-summer festival or game day, can also be hosted at the playground for a gathering and play moment. These types of events can draw a diverse crowd and provide further community engagement.
By fostering organic engagement, parks with playgrounds are welcoming spaces for everyone to meet and interact. No matter someone’s age, background, or social status, everyone is invited to meet at the park. This promotes social equity and teaches children from a young age the importance of being accepting of everyone, regardless of their differences.
Takeaways
Playgrounds are more than just a nice addition to a community. They can be integral to community development, growth, and engagement. For children, playgrounds help them learn and find new friends. For adults, parks with playgrounds become central meeting destinations, fulfilling the need for free, safe spaces where everyone is welcome. For these reasons, a trip to the playground can provide a meaningful, engaging experience for families as a whole.