Parents’ playground wish list: Shade, nature and room to roam

SINGAPORE - The top requests from parents when the Housing Board asked them what changes they would like to see in playgrounds here were to bring back sandplay and add more swings.

The Straits Times spoke to parents about their playground wish lists and why these features matter to them. Here are five changes they are hoping for.

1. Avoid designs with rigid structures

Mr Justin Ko, 38, takes his two children, aged seven and nine, to the playground beside their HDB block in Kallang almost every evening. While his children enjoy the tall, enclosed, maze-like climbing structure, Mr Ko finds many modern playground designs to be dangerous.

He said space constraints may have prompted playground developers to build taller structures and enclose them for safety, but this makes it rigid and difficult for parents to participate.

“If my child gets injured inside (the climbing structure), I won’t be able to go in and help,” said Mr Ko, an events host.

Ms Jewel Yi, 34, an occupational therapist and mother to an 18-month-old boy, added: “Modern-day playgrounds look good, but are very static. For example, fixed climbing structures limit creative play.

“Children climb to the top, but there’s nothing more there, except to climb back down.”

2. Provide shade and shelter

Heading to her condominium playground every day with her two daughters under the age of four is more than just playtime for Ms Charmaine Tan, 42, a youth motivational coach.

“It is about the community. We have a great family-friendly environment with a massive kid community,” she said.

However, the lack of shade and shelter often cuts short outdoor time during hot or rainy weather.

“Shaded areas for seating and wet weather sheltered play would be good,” said Ms Tan.

Mr Xiao Chen, 38, an engineer with two young daughters, said shelter would also protect playground equipment, so that they last longer.

3. Divide play areas by age

With kids of all ages using playgrounds, some parents worry that younger children could collide with more boisterous older kids.

Mr Ko suggests putting up structures to divide play spaces for older and younger children.

The fencing could also deter non-playground users from loitering in these spaces.

Mr Chen, whose daughters are aged seven and eight, said more should be done to keep out adults who do not belong in playgrounds.

“Playgrounds should strictly be only for children and their parents. Not some adults who drink there, or smoke and litter the area with cigarette butts,” he said.

4. Provide amenities for families

Parents said they appreciate having adequate spaces to sit and supervise children as they play.

Ms Tan said that it is common for families of young children to meet up and arrange playdates at playgrounds, so having amenities like benches or seating areas would be useful.

“Playgrounds should have water coolers nearby, and open spaces for mini picnics and gatherings for the kids,” she said.

5. Nature and greenery

Mr Woo, 65, a technician who did not wish to give his full name, said there is not much greenery at the playground where his two grandsons live.

As such, when his grandchildren, aged three and six, visit him every weekend, he makes it a point to bring them to Pasir Ris Park, a 25-minute drive from his home.

“At the park, there is fresh air, and nature is all around,” he said, adding that the green areas also provide extra open spaces for them to run around with their friends.