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3 Hidden Benefits of Play (and the Colorado Playgrounds to Experience Them!)
I could go on for days about how important play is for children, specifically outdoor free play. The confidence, the strength, the imagination…you get to watch your child make huge steps in their development every time you visit a playground. Below I will explore three “hidden” benefits of play and highlight some fantastic Colorado parks to check out along the way! This is the fourth 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…
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4 Can’t-Miss Inclusive Playgrounds and Why They’re Important for ALL Kids
Inclusive playgrounds are a necessary part of our park system today. Not only do they welcome kids of all abilities, they also offer the opportunity to engage with kids of different races, religions and backgrounds. “Play is the great equalizer and allows children to develop empathy,” said Tom Norquist, IPEMA immediate past president. “Play allows children to readily accept differences, genuinely feel harmonious and learn that others may have different feelings and perspectives.” Inclusive playgrounds provide many benefits for our children, specifically in the areas of social skills, diversity and equality. This article will explain each of the benefits as well as share four amazing inclusive playgrounds to visit here in…
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3 Reasons to Play as a Family (and the Best Colorado Parks to Visit Together!)
When we reflect back on the last year, it is easy to think pandemic, school closures, and toilet paper shortages, but there were also some important benefits of this year in quarantine. According to a study by Voice of Play, “60% of families said they are playing together now more than before the pandemic”. We experienced a shift in our house too! When it felt like the world was closed, we opened up new doors within our family. Puzzles were brought out, games were taught, obstacle courses created in the backyard…we truly played together! Now, as more places open up and sports/activities are back on the calendar, it is incredibly…
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4 Reasons to Get Back to Your Local Park (and the Parks to Check Out First!)
Not only are playgrounds necessary for physical and social benefits, you'll see how they help with mental health through stress relief and emotional release.
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3 Reasons We NEED Our Playgrounds Back!
April 27th through May 1st is National Playground Safety Week and, unfortunately, comes at a time when we are not able to go visit any. 🙁 This COVID-19 Stay at Home order and #socialdistancing is tough on everyone, but I see the struggle often in our children. Just months ago, they would’ve been playing with friends at recess, interacting at school and, as often as we could, going to playgrounds. This post is sponsored by Voice of Play, but opinions expressed are my own. The longer we have to stay away, the more I am realizing the benefits that playgrounds provided. As described on Voice of Play, these are just…
