Engaging Playgrounds
There are few things worse in terms of parks than a boring or useless playground. Some parks seem like they were never intended to interest or engage children at all. Others appear as though the playground equipment hasn’t been restored in decades. A slide, a swing, and a park bench just aren’t going to cut it with families looking to while away the hours in a calm, natural setting. And the truth is, it doesn’t take much to pique kids’ interests.
You don’t have to follow a specific plan. Some playgrounds follow a theme, and many of those themes include music or whimsy, so kids can imagine themselves in an adventurous setting. Also, most modern playgrounds are inclusive, so kids of all ages and abilities can enjoy the equipment. The key is to create enough diversity with your playground that children can find ways to entertain themselves in different areas at different times.
Splash Pads
Many cities are seeing record heat, which can mean devastation to parks and playgrounds. Few people want to venture out to play on a hot day with the sun beating down and no respite. There aren’t a lot of options in terms of keeping the playground equipment cool, either. Whether it’s tanbark, recycled tires, or rubber platforms, kids find themselves sweaty and exhausted and not having a very good time on many of those too-hot days.
You can get around this problem by installing a splash pad in your park. In fact, the right water features can put you on the map as the place to visit for anyone in your general area. Kids who can show up in their swimsuits and play in water are more likely to spend hours at your park. They can bounce from the splash pad to the playground and back. And their parents can enjoy the shade under a tree and have a picnic when the kids are ready to fuel up.
Protection from the Elements
Speaking of that tree… It’s a good idea to ensure the families who visit can get relief from any weather extremes. In many areas, a light spring rain can ruin a day of fun if you can’t escape it until it passes. The same goes for the relentless sun. Even a 70-degree day can become too much if there isn’t any shade under which to take refuge. Sunscreen and water bottles won’t save the day if even the parents can’t sit and rest while the kids play.
Many modern parks are solving this issue in a number of ways. You might choose a location that already has large trees providing plenty of shade. You could install a playground, benches, paths, and even a water feature amid the natural surroundings. Another option would be to install shades, misting apparatuses, and even gazebos. Covered picnic areas can serve the double function of protecting people from the rain and the sun, so they can enjoy your park year-round.
Amenities for the Whole Family
When planning your park, it’s important to remember that you’re not just catering to the kids. You’re also working to attract the parents, especially if you hope to be a destination. Again, parents don’t want to sit and swelter under the sun or suffer in the rain, regardless of how much fun their kids may be having. If your goal is to get families from all over to come spend time in your park, you’ve got to make it appealing to the entire family.
You can engage parents with comfortable seating areas, covered benches, and wide open green spaces for a nice picnic blanket. You can take this a step further by including basketball, tennis, or pickleball courts, so parents can get a game in while the kids play. Another amenity for families might be a section with workout equipment or circuit training. It’s a great way to encourage healthy behaviors for family members of all ages.
Events
Finally, if you want to attract family tourism, have a community space where local organizations can hold events. It’s harder than ever for families to find other families to spend time with. So many people are stuck inside their homes, inside their offices, and inside their classrooms. When they do go to the park, they tend to keep to themselves. Humans have largely lost the ability to connect, and yet they seek connection more than ever.
A community space like a center, a stage, or an auditorium, in addition to a big green space, can bring people together for all kinds of gatherings. The city could hold barbecues in the summer, holiday potlucks in the winter, and Halloween parades in the fall. You might ask local businesses to sponsor your events and put out a call for volunteers. A community center with an event space is a wonderful way to bring visitors from far and wide.
In the end, there are many ways to get your community engaged at a destination park while also attracting families from farther away. It’s a matter of building a space that speaks to the needs of parents and their children. This means a great play structure, respite from extreme weather, and enjoyable natural spaces for rest and recuperation. Add community events, and you’ve got yourself a destination park with a playground that speaks to all.
