4 Reasons to Get Back to Your Local Park (and the Parks to Check Out First!)

Despite the many benefits, free and outdoor play was deprioritized in the name of health and safety over the last year. While the world remains in a tough spot and precautions still need to be considered, we know that play today is more important than ever before. It is time to start venturing out once again. Not only are playgrounds necessary for physical and social benefits, you’ll see below how they also help with mental health through stress relief and emotional release.

This is the first in a series of articles sponsored by IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association) and Voice of Play, IPEMA’s ongoing, consumer-facing initiative to promote the benefits of children’s play and playgrounds. Voice of Play also provides helpful information and resources to help us all improve the quality and quantity of children’s play on playgrounds.

1 – Play to Socialize with Peers

I asked my older daughters (ages 10 and 13) about what they like to do when they feel stress or are going through tough days. Both replied that they like to talk it out with friends. While it isn’t that they won’t talk about it with me or other adults, they both said it is easier to process those emotions with kids their own age who are experiencing similar issues.

Playgrounds, like Cherrywood Park in Thornton, or the natural outdoors, are a perfect place to meet friends, relax and talk things out. This is especially important after the last year, which was, in many ways, hardest on our little ones.

2 – Play to Let Go

Sometimes when kids are dealing with emotions, they need time to let go and enjoy alone time. Closing themselves into a bedroom or in front of a screen is a typical place to go; however, free time outside can be much more helpful. In fact, research shows that children use free play to express their emotions and learn to deal with their fears and scary experiences. They can play sensory games, lose themselves in the musical instruments or find a cozy spot to be with their thoughts.

Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch is one of the best playgrounds for allowing your children this time to process. There are large childhood-favorite books displayed to walk around and read excerpts. It is so calming to get lost in a familiar story and I love that they allow kids to spread out quietly. Another highlight of Civic Green Park that brings a sense of peace is the stream to wade through!

3 – Play to Be Close to Nature

Nature-inspired playgrounds are popping up all over Colorado and kids are loving them! According to Earthscape on their play philosophy, “The experience of nature has so many documented life-long benefits: improved physical and mental health, educational opportunities, community connections and environmental awareness.” Being ‘connected to the Earth’ is not a new phrase, nor a new idea, yet with the decrease of outdoor spaces, these nature-inspired playgrounds are important for us all.

By playing in the dirt, testing their balance or riding over dirt hills, children will feel free at McKay Lake Nature Play Area. The expansive park provides opportunities for kids to play together or experience elements on their own. Giving our children the time to enjoy nature and step away from the screens will reduce stress and relieve those strong emotions.

As our nation continues to be in a state of uncertainty, studies show that when playing, children can release emotions and “play out” their traumas so they can share feelings freely.

https://voiceofplay.org/2020-survey/

4 – Play to Let Imagination Take Over

According to Voice of Play, “free play has proven to be therapeutic for children who are emotionally distressed from traumatic situations like child abuse, family disruptions and/or the experience of natural disaster or war.” While we haven’t been through a natural disaster or war, the past year of COVID-19 restrictions, changes to school, and isolation from family and friends can all be bundled together as a traumatic situation. Our kids have been (and are still going through) a lot!

Our final recommendation to help release emotions is the Arvada Volunteer Firefighters Park. Here, or at any of these amazing, themed playgrounds, children can go into character and let their imagination take over. In this way, “kids use their imagination and pretend play to experience different feelings and outcomes.”

Our children depend on free play for many aspects of their mental health and well being. After the year we’ve had, it is more important than ever to get back to your local playgrounds.

Thank you for joining us at Slides and Sunshine. Now it’s time to get out there and PLAY!

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