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Friday, November 9, 2012
Playground Paranoia
What’s there to worry
about?
Risky playground
behavior. Injuries. Outdated Equipment.
It’s
called Playground Paranoia – and it has risen dramatically over the past two
decades. This is despite the fact that playground equipment and matting has become
safer over the years. We are basically just becoming increasingly fearful for
our kids.
Is that so wrong?
Of course
we worry about our children more – we are more aware of child abductions,
injuries on play equipment, and bullying. These all happen and we need to make
sure children are supervised to ensure their safety.
What
crosses the line into paranoia is when a parent reaches a point to where they
command the child’s entire playing experience. We’ve all seen those parents – who won’t let the kid go
down the tall slide, who won’t let the kid go into a sandbox to play, who
constantly direct the child rather than leave them be.
The risks of physical
injuries
A study
from the National Program for Playground Safety states that 67% of playground injuries
that occurred between 2001-‘08 and “involved falls or equipment failure”. It is
imperative that the playground equipment is in good working condition, and has
been properly maintained.
Outdated
playground equipment can be dangerous. Even if a parent is supervising their
child, a loose piece can cause any unexpected injury.
Is it the design of the
equipment that is to blame?
The
answer to this question is highly debatable. Nearly all tall jungle gyms and
merry-go-rounds have disappeared from playgrounds in the United States. What
sparked the real change? People became fearful of lawsuits.
We are producing
playgrounds that are fool-proof. Not only that, the decreased risks may even be
hindering a child’s growth in unexpected ways.
That’s ridiculous!
Is it really ridiculous though? Almost everyone has overcome a fear or two on
a playground. It’s not just about trying to have fun. Children learn by pushing
their limits and seeing what they are able to do. They go up to the highest
slide to see if it’s really as scary as it looks.
Even
when children do experience a playground fall, it rarely causes more than just
physical damage. More anxiety would be caused by fearing the playground in the
first place than by experiencing a minor accident.
What can we do about
Playground Paranoia?
Overcome
it! It’s important to let our kids experience their childhood without us talking
in their ears the whole time. The mind can grow with encountering risks every
now and then.
A child’s
confidence and self-esteem can grow with facing fears on a playground. We are also
relieving ourselves of the constant cycle of paranoia. There are dangers in
life, but we have to learn to set those aside to get ahead.
What Are Jumping Pillows?
Jumping Pillows: Amazing Fun!
Jumping Pillows are similar to trampolines – but are
safer and can hold more people. Not only that, but they can provide a safe
fitness activity that keeps your heart rate up.
Some children want to bounce for hours with other kids! Have
you ever wanted to just bounce and bounce? It’s fun and as a matter of fact
parents can jump too! These colorful inflatable pillows offer a one of a kind
experience to just jump around and be silly with your family.
What exactly is a Jumping Pillow?
The Jumping Pillow is a huge inflatable
pillow on the ground surrounded by sand that you can play on
until you can’t jump any longer. It is permanently mounded at its site, is
tough and not easily damaged.
They are
made from a special material which is able to withstand any weather without needing
a protective cover! Any weather is fine – from hot weather to well below
freezing.
Jumping
Pillows are best situated 3m away from any surrounding walls or structures, to
prevent injury. The inflation is kept up by a small, nearby fan in a box.
How are they
maintained?
Before
getting started, it is good to consider the fact that when a Jumping Pillow isn’t
installed by professionals that usually voids any warranties that it may have.
Check with your vendor! Also, if it gets a hole or tear that’s not too big it
is easy to repair.
The
continual maintenance would involve cleaning the pillow before use and raking
the surrounding sand to make sure it will be safe to play on. Jumping Pillows should be surrounded by fencing
to ensure safety as well. The pillows should be covered when not in use to
avoid sun damage and normal wear and tear to the material.
Just Imagine!
Imagine your kids occupied all day long
doing something that will enrich their lives (and leave them tired too!). Even
kids who are unfit or overweight have fun joining in – and it’s still safe. Parents
can relax knowing their kids are having a great time.
For More Information Please Visit:
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Sun Shading At Parks
What makes a park a good park?
One important structure
at a “good” park is the sun shading. A park can set itself aside from others in
terms of comfort, safety and appearance that cannot be substituted with other
items.
In the
summer, the sun blazes down on playgrounds so harshly that people just don’t
want to go there if there is no shading. Does your park have sufficient shading?
The importance of adequate shading
Sun shade
structures are improving alongside technology and material enhancements. They
are more creatively planned and come in almost any form imaginable.
Shading
can be added to existing playgrounds and can create an aesthetic improvement at
your park. Structures can be used over benches as well to shield parents while
they watch their children.
As the
temperature increases during summertime, the play structure materials get very
hot and can burn the kids who are trying to play. Future skin cancer can be
prevented by minimizing the effects of UV rays to the body.
How can
kids combat these issues and still be able to go outside in hot weather? With
adequate shade! The correct type of shade fabric can improve shade systems to
cool down playgrounds up to 20 degrees. Wow! That can be the difference of
staying inside all day or going out to have fun.
Starting
a shade project
Planning the shade project for your park involves
taking several key steps. Which material will be used? There are fabric,
umbrella or steel shelters to name a few.
Will the material need to be waterproof? This could
come in handy – in addition to minimizing sun exposure. Who will be installing
the structure? You will want to make sure the money is well spent.
Creating a comfortable atmosphere for the whole
family!
A great playground
that is set aside from the rest is a place with simple extras. It allows families
to be outside playing longer. Shade structures are about as important as
drinking fountains for kids – and parents. They should be safe and clean for
kids, with all the equipment in working condition.
Playgrounds should
be used more often. They are a place where people can go out and be reminded of
places where people can have fun without relying upon technology.
Make it
shady!
The more inviting
the playground, the more families will be out creating a stronger community
with one another. Playgrounds with shading get more use and are a better place
for families to enjoy one another.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The Play Shortage
The children these days seem to
be deprived of the flexibility to play. When are they allowed to run outside
and play with the others? People play to learn and to connect with each other. They
learn useful problem solving skills as well as endurance.
The communication skills a child
learns on a playground can change the outlook of their entire life. Play is a
crucial learning tool for kids and is essential for their physical and mental
development. Taking turns on a swing set, learning that four kids don’t fit
well going down a slide or building castles together in a sand box are memories
each child deserves to have with commercial playground equipment.
Can you
think of a time you wished someone had better communication skills? As play
structures are becoming more creative and unique, there are also a waning
number of children who are brought out.
Parents
are relying upon educational facilities more often these days although the
system is weakening. It’s easy to blame schools, but who has the real power
over the lives of the children?
Parents
are the overall enforcers of their kids’ lives. The time has come for us to
loosen our fears for our kids and let them be their selves. The general lack of
play in our society is all around and it is up to us to change it.
We all
know what a kid would rather be doing right now – so just take them by the hand
and lead them there! Whether it’s to your local playground or waterpark, your
child will be thankful to be outside having fun. You will be impressed with
what your child is capable of and how their personality comes out!
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