Should Unaccompanied Adults Be Allowed On Playgrounds
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Author: Austin Stanfel
Whenever you visit the local playgrounds on weekends, you will witness children playing together and teaming up. You may see some children running around, playing in the sand, or exploring a play structure. Nearby, you will also notice parents sitting on benches and picnic tables, to keep an eye on their children. It is quite easy to figure out which adult may have children at the park.
People generally think of community parks as safe and wholesome. However, in case you see an adult or several adults in a playground who are there without a child, would you find it weird? Should adults and teenagers be allowed in the same space where children play? This is something that many municipalities consider.
However, there are many different reasons why municipalities are discussing legislation to prevent adults and teens from using equipment in the playground. There is no doubt that community parks are designed to serve the residents of a community. Hence, the new legislation does not ban adults and teens from visiting the parks. Instead, it prohibits them from using the play area for children unless children accompany them.
This discussion does have a point, from the perspective of safety. After all, it is not uncommon for teens and adults to loiter public playground equipment. At the same time, many playground items can be damaged by spray-paints and graffiti. Furthermore, the commercial computer in playgrounds is not designed for children above 12 years of age. Even though this equipment is durable, it is susceptible to damage in case teenagers or adults use it.
Often at times, when adults use playground equipment that is designed for children, it results in structural damage. This is primarily because these playgrounds are not intended for anyone above a certain age (usually 12 years of age).
At the same time, some public parks have areas that are specially designated for pet owners. This is done to enhance the experience of the visitors, regardless of their preferences. Designated dog parks allow the canines and dog owners to have fun in an area that is specifically meant for them. Firstly, this reduces the risk of injuries for children at play. Secondly, it also prevents dogs from getting injured.
Hence, it makes complete sense to limit the dogs to designated dog areas, children to child play areas, and adults to a seating area.
At the same time, most of the community parks also do not allow smoking for the very same reason. This is because most parents are not comfortable if their children are exposed to harmful tobacco smoke. As a result of this, most of the community parks have a smoking ordinance, according to which one cannot smoke within 20 to 40 feet of the children’s playground. This makes sense because secondhand smoke could have a detrimental effect on a child. After all, children are still in a growing stage and often have weaker immune systems. Hence, it is suitable for safety. This should be applied to all parks all over the world.