Over a foot of snow blankets a New Hampshire playground.
Here in New England, snow and ice is a regular occurrence this time of year. What’s been surprising is to see the blanket of snow covering the rest of the country.
As cheerless the sight, this is the season of unoccupied playgrounds. A time of year when snow and ice accumulates on play equipment, and structures and events are blocked by the frosty white stuff. Oh sure, you will still find the occasional kiddo – braving the frosty conditions to traverse the slush to swing on her favorite swing set, or take a cold ride down a slick slide. But is the ice and snow encrusted playground a safe place to play?
Lonely swings can hardly wait till spring.
Most playground rules signs will state that playing on snowy and icy conditions is not advised, because the playground is not at its top, safe condition. Decks and transfer points are slick with ice and snow. Movable parts are frozen. Slide exits are blocked with snow. And most importantly, resilient ground surfacing is frozen solid, reducing the impact attenuation properties. There is nothing in place to soften a fall.
As gloomy as an unused playground appears to be during the snowy winter months, for safety’s sake — wait a few more weeks to enjoy the fun.
