Many parents, guardians and caregivers are aware of the possible threats associated with
Playgrounds and
Splash Parks, such as falling, spreading of germs, entrapment and more. However, one serious threat is often overlooked.
The Sun
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “Increasing intermittent sun exposure during childhood is associated with an increased risk of developing skin cancer.” The exposure to the sun that children experience while playing outdoors, especially during the morning and afternoon hours when the UV rays are the strongest, can cause both short-term problems, such as sunburns and dehydration, and long-term problems, such as damage to the eyes and skin cancer.
Importance of Outdoor Play
Playgrounds and
Splash Parks by
Water Odyssey provide both physical and mental benefits for children. The first benefit, and most obvious, being physical exercise. Allowing children to run, leap, and jump around outside helps them physically develop and gain motor skills, which improves their overall thinking and learning skills as well. Also, outdoor play can reduce behavioral problems, help relieve stress, and lower children’s risk of developing anxiety and depression. Finally, outdoor play can help children learn and gain social skills through interacting with others. This helps them with building friendships, working on problem solving skills and most importantly, laughing and having fun amongst their peers.
Importance of Shade
Obviously, the Sun is an unavoidable aspect associated with outdoor play on
Playgrounds and
Splash Parks, however, it can be managed. Having the appropriate and sufficient
shade covers and
structures can help reduce the amount of exposure children receive from the UV rays and heat. Building a nearby
shade structure at the park location or shading the
Playground itself can encourage children to play longer or provide a space for resting and relief from the heat.
In addition to health concerns for children regarding the Sun, we need to focus on the threat of the
Playground itself. Playgrounds by
Superior Recreational Products are composed of all different materials that are susceptible to absorbing and holding in the heat. This can result in injuries from children getting burned by the equipment when climbing, sliding and swinging on the Playgrounds. On average,
shade structures keep the Playgrounds 13 degrees cooler than the temperature outside, which helps prevent burns and provide protection from the UV ray exposure.
Solution
Contrary to popular belief,
shade covers,
picnic shelters and structures by
Superior Recreational Products can be ascetically pleasing and customizable, which has influenced architects and designers to incorporate them into their design layouts. From
tilt and spin umbrellas to sail shades,
shade structures can be added to complete and compliment any
Playground or
Splash Park. Installing shade structures provides health and
safety benefits not only for the children enjoying the
Playgrounds and
Splash Parks, but the parents, guardians and caregivers who want to protect their little ones.
