Skip to main content

Main menu

  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
Home
  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
  • What You Need To Know About Curb Ramps
  • Combating Childhood Obesity
  • 9 Things You No Longer See on Playgrounds
  • Benefits of Nature Play
  • Train Themed Playground
  • The World is a Kiwanis Playground

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Play
  3. Parenting
  4. What Parents Really Look for at the Playground

What Parents Really Look for at the Playground

Parenting
May 11, 2015
Profile picture for user Scott Hornick
By Scott Hornick on
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print
1524
What Parents Really Look for at the Playground

What Parents Really Look for at the Playground

It is no surprise why kids love going to the playground. Being outside, combined with the adventure of all the elements a playground has to offer, it is the perfect place for kids to relax and have fun. But what about the parents? What’s in it for them? Although monkey bars, slides, bridges, and towers can occupy kids for hours, parents look for certain things to make their time at the playground enjoyable as well. Today’s playgrounds have evolved into more elaborate spaces for everyone to enjoy, making parents think about more than just location when choosing what neighborhood park to spend the day.

Safety first

There are different approaches to playgrounds all over the world, but the main concern, no matter where you are, is always safety. The playground is a place for children to experience free play as well as socialize with other kids in a trusted environment. Parents look for equipment that is clean and sturdy, so they don’t have to worry about injury due to ignored maintenance. Beyond the equipment, proper restrooms, water fountains, and trash cans are also important when rating a playground on safety. Another notable safety measure is having community common areas equipped with first aid kits and resources to help identify medical assistance in the area.

A place to hang out

Traditionally, playgrounds and parks have benches lining the areas of activity, which at first glance, seems enough. However, when spending a whole afternoon there, sometimes with multiple children, parents want to see more than just benches. A variety of comfortable seating with places to set your things, park your stroller, and even have lunch, are a main priority, especially with gathering spots in the shade. Some of the best times to be outside can also be the hottest and providing cool spots allows families to be comfortable, longer. When planning for these community areas, parents also take into consideration what materials are being used. In areas where people may want to spread out along the ground, materials like shredded rubber or artificial turf can allow people to enjoy those spaces year round with little maintenance.  

Good layout and sightlines

When trying to keep up with all the action on the playground, it can be frustrating when parents’ sight lines are cut off by poorly placed elements. This is an aspect of a playground planning that is often overlooked, but very important to how parents choose play spaces. For families who are coming to the playground with multiple children, being able to monitor all kids from one vantage point helps keep parents at ease. Thoughtfully placed, age appropriate elements are also key to a good layout. It wouldn’t make sense to place a climbing wall where an older kid could jump from and be okay next to a space designed for toddlers where that drop-off could cause severe injury. Creating specific spaces for smaller and bigger kids alike help keep safety risks at a minimum, and parents are happy knowing all their children have their own area to enjoy.

Playgrounds are such an integral part of our community and lives. Parents and families rely on play spaces to provide safe, comfortable, and adventurous afternoons all year round. However, no matter how fun the playground is, it’s the places that go the extra mile for the parents that families can’t get enough of.

Author Bio: Scott Hornic is CEO of Adventure Solutions, a commercial recreation builder located in Baltimore MD. Scott and his crew plan, engineer, and construct adventure courses for the recreation industry. 

Source

Profile picture for user Scott Hornick
Scott Hornick
Published 8 years ago
Last updated 6 months ago
1524
2
min read
A- A+
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

More About

Baby Sleeps
Aug 06, 2019
Parenting

8 Reasons Your Child Might Not be Sleeping and How to Fix It

Kacey Mya
Encouraging Open and Honest Communication With Your Children
Apr 20, 2022
Parenting

Encouraging Open and Honest Communication With Your Children

Noah Rue
5 Ways Parents Can Foster Grit in Their Children
May 25, 2020
Parenting

5 Ways Parents Can Foster Grit in Their Children

Aalexandra Eidens
4 Santa-Approved Ways Kids Can Give Back During the Holidays
Dec 09, 2021
Parenting

4 Santa-Approved Ways Kids Can Give Back During the Holidays

PGP
Dec 18, 2013
Parenting

Restoring Play to the Lives of Children

Joan Almon
How To Encourage Your Child’s Independence
Mar 09, 2021
Parenting

How To Encourage Your Child’s Independence

PGP
Fall Road Trip
Sep 06, 2022
Parenting

5 Reasons to Take Your Family on a Fall Road Trip

Cora Gold
Spruce Forest at Holma
Feb 26, 2019
Parenting

Springtime for Preschoolers: Fun in the Great Outdoors

Oliver Portwood
Teens playing on a playground made from old tires.
Jul 26, 2018
Parenting

Use the Playground to Teach About Recycling

Jackie Edwards
Giving Meaningful Praise
Apr 20, 2020
Parenting

Giving Meaningful Praise

David Hoang
Choosing Friends Wisely: Complete Guide for Parents
Mar 17, 2020
Parenting

Choosing Friends Wisely: Complete Guide for Parents

Emily Andrews
Boy with a map.
May 01, 2018
Parenting

Encouraging Adventures: How to Get Your Kids Outdoors and Exploring

Tilda Moore

Parenting Professionals

There are currently no professionals listed here.
Home

Follow Us

Play and playground news and information since 2001

  • instagram
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • pinterest
  • linkedin

Company

  • Playground Magazine
  • Contributors
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Copyright © 2001 - 2023 Playground Professionals, LLC

Footer menu

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Terms and conditions