I loved this time of year as a child because in addition to the sunshine and warm days it meant it was ball season. For many of my elementary school years my family lived in a small city where several different teams were formed. Most of the ball diamonds were connected to schools in the city and it was always fun to check out what kind of playground equipment each school had. We would take note of the differences between our school and the others and decide which students were the luckiest based on what they had to play on at recess.
We always hoped there would be a few minutes before or after practices when we could run over to the playground and try out different equipment. Most coaches rightly, if not disappointingly, kept us on the diamond. But there's just something so enticing about a playground. It beckons, and when it does, it sure feels good to give in and just have fun.
On the surface playgrounds might look quite similar, but they can be decidedly unique to a child who can tell you where to find the best swings or who has the most daring monkey bars. I can tell you the fastest slide was at a beach in Summerland, the best merry-go-round was at Hasting's Lake Bible Camp, and my favorite teeter totters were at Central School in Swift Current.
When I was a child a playground was a given. Not only did the schools have them but parks throughout the city had plenty to play on. It's not the case anymore as school boards, community associations and parent groups deal with safety concerns, maintenance issues and the cost of replacement pieces.
I applaud the efforts of all those raising money for new equipment at Outlook Elementary School. They recognize the importance of ensuring quality equipment is available for play. The school's community council, local businesses and young entrepreneurs alike are working hard and it matters, because there is something pretty special about a good playground. And it goes way beyond play.
Swings teach us that the harder we pump the higher we go. So we need to set our sights high--but be prepared to work for it.
Climbing structures beckon us to reach, to climb and to push past the point we previously achieved so we can strive for a higher point on the structure. We need to extend our hands and exceed our grasp but realize it is going to require risk and courage to make it happen.
Our time on a teeter totter is a lesson in cooperation and equity as we learn the physics behind the tandem activity--first one makes a move, and then the other. To keep things moving smoothly we have to keep things in balance. Too much on one end keeps us mired in one place. More importantly, most things are best when we share them with others.
There is always a line-up at the slide. Always. But when it is our turn we ascend the stairs rung by rung, get into position, and with a forceful push against the sides send ourselves sailing down the straightaway or around and around the curves. It teaches us the importance of waiting for our turn, the power of expectation, and the thrill of throwing ourselves into an activity. So we need to remind ourselves of the value of patience, the tingle of anticipation, and the joy of doing something wholeheartedly and without reservation.
Oh, those moments on a playground turn out to be about so much more than child's play. Playgrounds impart important lessons and instill cherished values—whether we realize or not that's what's taking place.
Are playgrounds just for children? Let's hope not, or at least let's hope those types of moments aren't just for children. We need to reclaim points in our day that allow us to take a break, embrace fun, and play. To remember the joy of occasionally spinning out of control and laughing so hard we need to catch our breath. To set aside the plans and rediscover the imagination of daydreaming. To put down the devices and listen for the voices of those joining in on the fun. It's necessary to leave many childhood things behind...but play should not be one of them. That's my outlook.
