Why We Need Bigger Playgrounds
By Shelley & Basam
We believe that bigger park playgrounds would encourage older kids to play outside. We believe that kids need to socialise more to keep us from getting lonely and from being depressed, some kids suffer from this reason. We believe that playing outside more would make us just like a community which makes
us happier. Older kids need encouragement to be more active outside instead of staying inside playing on their devices.
According to playground brand WillyGoat, “Most residents live within a walkable distance of a park or recreation area for a good reason. Physical play helps children connect, which ultimately leads to building meaningful friendships and relationships”.
This evidence reveals that older kids should socialise at parks because staying inside can increase laziness and anti-social behaviour. Bigger parks for older kids will encourage them to play outside as it would strengthen their minds, bodies and abilities to socialise.
We believe that equipment should be inclusive for all ages and sizes. This could include flying foxes, swings that are bigger, monkey bars, rock climbing walls, bike holds, and balancing equipment.
According to playground specialist, Edible Kids Gardens, “Kids love to climb and play on high structures due to the possible risk involved: the possibility of falling”. Climbing also helps a kid’s self-determination, gross motor skills, and coordination, especially where surfaces to grab onto are irregular and uneven.
As well as the obvious benefits of movement, exercise and fitness, play provides the building blocks to strengthen children’s development in balance, vision, hearing, and even integrating sensory learning.
In conclusion, we strongly believe that bigger park playgrounds should encourage older kids to play outside. This would increase socialisation for older kids and have an impact on kids’ balance, health and skills of all kinds by including more equipment that is inclusive to older kids.
