Playgrounds are opening – are they safe?

By Jensen, Randy on July 3, 2020.

Laura Lukye

Alberta Health Services

With playgrounds slowly opening around Alberta, kids are rejoicing but parents might be feeling a bit more cautious. Playgrounds have always been a place to escape, to play freely and are often the central hub of a community.

But are playgrounds safe now? There are some recommendations you should keep in mind when visiting a playground, skate park and/or outdoor fitness park:

1. Sanitize hands before, during and after using the playground structure. Understand that the equipment is only as clean as the previous users.

2. Maintain a social distance. Remember to stay two metres or six feet away from other users.

3. Don’t crowd people on the structures; reschedule your visit if the playground is too crowded.

4. Avoid using any equipment if you or your child feels sick or have symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, running nose, sore throat, chills or nausea.

5. Avoid contact with other persons and avoid behaviours such as sharing food, drinks and equipment.

We all need to do our part in keeping everyone safe, and by following the recommendations we can help to make sure playgrounds stay open.

For more information on playground guidelines contact your municipality or visit: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/covid-19-information-guidance-for-playgrounds.

Laura Lukye is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services, and can be reached via email, laura.lukye@ahs.ca

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