11.26.2007

Playgrounds could stand some improvements

I've taken my kids to the park a lot recently. Well, relatively recently. It’s gotten very cold here. The newest 4 year old would be fine going to the park despite the potential for snow. She’d also be fine doing it in sandals and a poofy pink skirt. She goes her own way. I’m just happy to get her to compromise and wear socks and a coat.

My favorite thing about the park is that it’s not my house. We get out. We see something other than our own four walls. And our house isn’t trashed when we’re done. These are very attractive qualities.

My least favorite thing about the park is that I’m required to monitor two kids at all times. Not that I don’t monitor at home. Because I do. Most of the time. It’s just a lower level of monitoring. Because the house is child proofed. And anything they might destroy I own. On top of that, I have the ability to lock doors and keep everyone contained to a defined area. Our security system even chimes if the newest 4 year old gets any bright ideas about exiting the house alone. My husband hates the chimes. I take great comfort in the chimes.

There are no chimes at the park. That means I feel obligated to see or hear my kids at all times. Because it’s 2007 and I’m super paranoid girl. I remember the safety expert with the giant mustache on Oprah years ago leading kids away from the playground with stories of lost puppies. But with two kids, it’s tough to keep up. And giant wooden fort structures don’t help. Would it kill the playground designers to slap a fence up or something? If there was a fence they could design it with only one exit. Then if I sat next to the exit you couldn’t take my kid without walking past me. And the jig would be up. Because my kid’s crazy. She’ll totally wave and ask me if I want to go see the puppy, too.

McDonald’s appears to have mastered the one exit strategy. Is there no detail they haven’t thought of? And why do they not explain these things to the people that design parks? Before I had kids, I don’t think I really respected McDonald’s. I didn’t grasp why they were so big and successful. Now that I’m their target audience I totally get it. They understand what I want. They deliver it before I even realize I wanted it. One of my personal favorite is the design of their milk jugs. They’re made bottom heavy so a kid can drink out of it without tumping it over on the table. Don’t even try to tell me that wasn’t planned. Has to be. Genius. Are you taking notes Wendy’s? Because you should. You could learn a thing or two. Although your nuggets are way better. So good job. But get on the milk jugs. And the playgrounds.

I’d probably stay at the park for hours on end if I could just sit and read a book without stressing out. I have no problem not getting anything done all day. I have no problem with the kids getting dirty and scraped up either. It’s just the down time I could do without. I’m almost glad it’s winter. Except that means we’ll be hitting mall play areas now. Malls with two small kids suck. Although at least the malls cushion the play area benches. And they sell cookies. Everyday that ends with a cookie is a good day.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yeah, but when you have snow finally, nothing beats sledding with little kids.
Especially if you are taking pictures.
When they wipe out.
Priceless.

Sarahviz said...

Playgrounds with fences are the only ones I frequent with the 3 boyz.

So why do my kids still spill their choc. milk at McD's??

Maggie said...

I have to agree about McDonalds - they are brilliant!

I also have to agree about the playgrounds...I will never understand how someone can sit and read a book while their kids are off on the other end of the playground. Having the boys out of my sight makes me way too nervous!

Chaotic Joy said...

One thing McDonalds hasn't mastered is having food I will actually eat. But my kids love it and it's good for very relaxing playtime. My mall play area is great too thoug. All contained with one exit and soft spongy walls that are great for the not ever going to walkers.

Anonymous said...

witchypoo - I fear we live in an area of the country that does not get to do much sledding. But I agree wipeout photos are priceless.

trenches - I'm going to have to find a playground with a fence. That's all there is to it. The four closest to our house don't have fences. I can't believe you guys have spilled milk issues with the bottom heavy jugs. Maybe I just love compared with Wendys. We go there too and theirs are tall and thin and constantly in danger of getting tumped over.

i know - Yeah, I'm not comfortable chilling with a book either. I'm very paranoid.

joy - Yeah, the food's not the strongest selling feature to me either. But it says something that we still go there despite the fact that the food is impressive. Even my husband who always enjoys a cheeseburger is burned out on theirs. there. I

Christy said...

My duaghter loves the park, I can't stand it! Mostly because I have follow her around, when all I want to do is sit...oh well.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I hate the park. And I feel bad that I do. But it's the constant state of alertness that kills me. I follow my kids around too. If I could just sit on the bench and read without standing guard over the kids I'd probably love the park and gladly stay all day.

Mamalang said...

My now 9 year old girl sounds a lot like your now 4 year old. And I'm still counting it a win if she wears socks and jacket (I gave up on the coat unless it's bitter cold). I'm lucky that my MIL and mom live close by, and they understand my craziness about parks and go with me. That way the kids to adults ratio is even. Cause otherwise, I'm exhausted.

a happier girl said...

That's really nice your MIL and mom can go with you. I'm sure it's a lot more fun with someone else there. And I count socks and shoes as a win too.

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