Why Communities That Invest in Playgrounds See Stronger Childhood Outcomes

Investing in quality playgrounds can be expensive for schools and communities. However, the payoff is well worth the investment. Beyond the higher property values typically enjoyed by neighborhoods with modern play spaces, communities that invest in playgrounds also enjoy measurable returns in childhood health and development. Here are a few reasons why communities that invest in playgrounds see stronger childhood outcomes.  

Why Children Need Active Play

Active play is critical for optimal childhood development. Having access to commercial playground equipment enhances childhood coordination, motor skills, and balance. It also promotes physical health and helps children develop strong muscles and bones. Active play opens up natural ways for children to explore the world around them and exercise their imaginations.

The Problem With Too Much Screen Time

Many children spend an inordinate amount of time playing video games and watching screens rather than actively playing. Too much screen time and too little physical activity can contribute to various physical, emotional, and cognitive problems. These may include sleep disturbances, attention and focus problems, academic impairment, and language and social delays. Children need adequate physical activity and playtime to develop optimally.

How Playgrounds Foster Stronger Childhood Outcomes

There’s something magical about watching children’s imaginations come alive while exploring community play spaces. Play areas give kids something productive to do besides staying sedentary and watching electronic screens all day. But playground benefits go far beyond keeping kids entertained during recess. Here are some of the top ways playgrounds foster stronger childhood outcomes and stronger communities.  

Provides an Enriching Environment

Modern playgrounds include many different features designed to enrich children’s playtime and encourage interaction in various ways. Most playground areas include features that appeal to children of various ages. They might offer sensory features, interactive areas, basketball hoops, and attractive structures that stimulate learning, cooperation, cognitive growth, and curiosity. Outdoor playgrounds may also include natural features and plants that encourage engagement with the environment.

Boosts Physical Activity

Many kids don’t find traditional “exercise” fun. If they had a choice between playing video games or going for a jog, they’d likely choose video games. Modern playgrounds, on the other hand, boost physical activity in fun ways like jumping, running, swinging, climbing, and challenging balance. These activities improve cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and coordination. Many of the best playgrounds include both open spaces and interesting equipment that facilitate both unstructured and structured play.

Fosters Cognitive Growth

Playgrounds foster cognitive growth by encouraging children to engage in imaginative play, problem-solving, and decision-making. Children also learn spatial awareness and how to strategically plan routes while playing tag and engaging with other children on playgrounds. The natural risk associated with navigating playground structures also helps kids learn how to assess risks and learn the consequences of their decisions.

Stimulates Social Development

Unstructured social interaction, cooperation, and conflict resolution are all crucial skills children learn through playground interactions. The freedom of the playground environment allows children to naturally adapt to different personalities and social situations. Group activities encourage kids to follow rules, work together, and pay attention to the verbal and nonverbal social cues of others. Playgrounds can also help children develop confidence and achieve a greater sense of independence.

Provides a Safe Place to Interact

Most playgrounds are designed with an open structure so that kids remain visible no matter where they are on the playground. Parents and other adults can easily supervise groups of children as they interact in a playground setting. Additionally, safety-certified equipment is designed to help kids engage in play with minimal risk of harm to their bodies. Modern playgrounds are also often designed to meet the needs of all children, including those with diverse physical or mental abilities.

Strengthens Family Bonds

While school playgrounds serve to strengthen social bonds between peer groups, community playgrounds can reinforce family bonds. Many families spend very little time developing their relationships at home because there are too many distractions. Children tend to retreat to their bedrooms while parents often get wrapped up in screens, household chores, or other responsibilities. Most families would do well to schedule regular playtime sessions with their kids at a local playground. Interacting with each other and engaging in outdoor play together can help children and parents reconnect and cultivate stronger relationships.  

Contributes to Community Cohesiveness

Playgrounds play an integral role in fostering community cohesiveness. They promote inclusivity by allowing children from all backgrounds to interact with each other. They also serve as social hubs where kids and families of all ages can gather and spend quality time together. Since community playgrounds are free to visit and use, they naturally draw a diverse range of people who might not otherwise get the opportunity to interact with each other. Many communities also host fundraisers and other special events at playgrounds, making these natural gathering areas an invaluable source of community cohesiveness and recreation.

Conclusion

Playgrounds are crucial for optimal childhood development. They’re also important for family and community development. Whether you’re a school administrator, city planner, or daycare owner, it’s important to prioritize playgrounds in your organization. Consider regularly analyzing and updating your equipment as needed to see stronger childhood outcomes in your community.