Playgrounds can be more magical and exciting in the winter season. The snow-covered play equipment and frosty play environment create new childhood wintery memories.
However, there are challenges that we need to consider during winter time to keep the play area fun and safe during the colder months.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- PHYSICAL FEATURE OF A WINTER SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
- SAFETY GUIDELINES
- ACTIVITIES IN SNOW PLAY
- CONCLUSION
SNOW-COVERED PLAY AREA
- Swings, slides, and other play equipment can be covered in snow, which adds a new dimension to the play experience.
- Playground snow puddles from melted snow can bring excitement and can be slippery in the play area as well.
- The bright and lively colors of the playground can be muted, and the soft and grayish color that winter brings creates a serene and magical vibe to the play area.
ICY SURFACE
- Icy pathways and surfaces can be slippery if not maintained and removed frequently.
- Proper maintenance is essential during this cold weather.
- Safety Surfacing can be hardened due to the freezing temperature.
- Metal, Plastic, and Wood can be too cold and slippery to play and can be cracked easily.
FRESH AIR
- The cold breeze weather still gives you fresh air that can make you feel more lively and joyful while enjoying the serene vibe of winter.
- Heading outdoors and breathing the fresh air with the winter vibe soothes different levels of emotion and excites children and adults.
- SAFETY GUIDELINES
Winter Playground can be magical but requires extra play area care to keep the fun safe even on winter days.
- PREPARE THE PLAYGROUND
As the winter days approach, it is essential to check the play area to keep playtime safe. Suppose the play equipment is made of wooden materials. Applying a non-toxic wood sealer or preservative is necessary to keep the equipment safe in colder months and help maintain its value.
- CHECK THE SURFACE DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Proper drainage is essential to ensure no stagnant water on the surface. Ensure there are no clogs to prevent ice build-up on the surfacing, which can lead to hard falls and slippery surfaces.
- SNOW REMOVAL
Regular snow and ice removal with appropriate tools can reduce damage and keep snow play fun. Snow build-up on walkways and ramps must be monitored and removed frequently to ensure clear access to paths and equipment for safer play. Metal, plastic, and wooden playgrounds can be slippery if not attended to and build up icing.
- DE-ICING
Icing is standard but can be prevented if monitored to keep the play areas and equipment safe during winter days. Use de-icing agents to help reduce the buildup of icing that can cause slips and hard falls to children playing.
Safety surfaces can also be hardened due to the freezing temperature that makes falls dangerous and de-icing agents that are safe for the specific surfacing materials.
- LAYERED CLOTHING
It can be too cold to play outside in winter, so appropriate clothing is essential to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Children should wear boots, coats, earmuffs, and hats to stay comfortable and safe as they play.
Due to the cold, playing time can be shortened, or you may take a break to get warm indoors.
- REGULAR INSPECTION
Upon the usual schedule of school playground inspection, in the winter season, inspections must be more frequent; there is more tendency that plastics can be more brittle and create cracks, breakage, and extreme loosing of screws and bolts that are unsafe.
Ladders, slide surfaces, handrails, and platforms must be inspected frequently.
- MAINTAIN AND CLEAN REGULARLY
Maintaining the cleanliness of the playground is the key to keeping the play area safe and monitored from unsafe elements that can harm the children.
Due to the cold season, cough and flu illnesses can be present and spread in the playground. Regularly sanitizing the playground can lessen the spread of diseases and help the children stay healthy during flu season.
- ADULT SUPERVISION
Children constantly need to be supervised when they go out to play outside, especially in the winter. It is essential to create rules and orient the children to keep them aware of the hazards and ensure safe play in the cold.
Adjust play time to safe temperatures and know the policies and weather conditions to ensure safety. Check the wind chill temperature to see if it is safe to let them play. Generally, it is secure if the wind chill is 32 degrees above freezing. If it is 13 to 31 degrees, indoor breaks to get warm inside must be done every 20-30 minutes. For 13 degrees below freezing, children must stay indoors for frostbite and hypothermia, which can be set quickly.
- ACTIVITIES IN SNOW PLAY
Children can add a new physical play element by playing with snow, like building snowmen and forts and having snowball fights in designated areas. Sledding is a good activity during winter. These activities promote physical activities and coordination.
Enjoying this seasonal element of play outdoors is essential as children can get a dose of Vitamin D since most of the time, they don’t get outdoors as much as on summer days, so it can be an excellent opportunity to get the dose of vitamins as school playtime.
However, playtime or recess will be shortened due to the cold, so the children can take a break indoors to warm themselves.
- CONCLUSION
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Let every child feel the enchanting vibe that a winter playground brings, and do not let the cold stop them. This seasonal feeling will boost their emotions and energy, mesmerizing them as they grow up. Implementing the safety guidelines will help the children and adults embrace this frosty wonderland’s beauty and magical feeling.