As summer approaches, the landscape of public spaces is changing—pools, beaches, summer camps, restaurants, and playgrounds are all reopening. Across various cities, we are witnessing different stages of this reopening process. While some areas are just beginning to ease restrictions, others are bustling with people eager to reclaim their summer activities.
For families, this transition brings a critical decision-making moment. Just weeks ago, our choices were largely dictated by strict lockdown measures; local favorites like ice cream shops and museums shuttered their doors. Now that these spaces are reopening, it’s on us, as parents, to navigate this uncertain terrain. We can’t call this a “post-COVID-19” era, as the virus still lingers. Perhaps it’s more accurate to label this phase as one of “post-curve-flattening, yet still in a pandemic while holding our breath for potential spikes.”
My family has decided to remain at home, comfortably clad in pajamas and safely distanced from the outside world. While I understand that some families are embracing the freedom of venturing out, I’m not one of them—not yet, and certainly not for a trip to the playground.
The core of my hesitation boils down to a simple fact: so much remains unknown. Since the onset of this pandemic, professionals have been consistently uncovering new information. For instance, the emergence of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) in children who test positive for COVID-19 raises significant concerns. The CDC has openly stated, “we are still learning about MIS-C and how it affects children,” indicating that many questions remain unanswered.
With ongoing research, it’s apparent that we can’t risk exposing our kids to a world that is still grappling with such uncertainty. Before we fully understand the implications of these reopening phases, especially with crowded images of public spaces devoid of masks, my family will stay put—no playground visits, not even to swing or climb.
Earlier in this crisis, we learned that playgrounds present safety risks. Equipment is frequently touched by numerous children, making proper sanitation almost impossible. Young kids struggle to maintain physical distance and are unlikely to keep masks on while playing. Moreover, after a short time in any public place, it’s inevitable that one of my children will need a restroom.
Research conducted by teams from the National Institutes of Health and other prestigious institutions demonstrated that COVID-19 can survive on surfaces like plastic for extended periods—up to three days in some cases. Given that playgrounds are filled with plastic equipment, the risk is alarming.
Experts have indicated that playgrounds pose greater dangers compared to controlled playdates. The chaotic environment of a playground means you cannot monitor who else is present or their potential exposure to the virus. As Dr. Emily Harris, an infectious disease expert, mentioned, “playgrounds are like the Wild West compared to a controlled playdate.”
If one were to find an empty park and sanitize every surface, a visit might be deemed acceptable. However, that scenario sounds more stressful than simply staying home. After all, playgrounds are designed for interaction, and right now, we must avoid those interactions.
Instead, we’re finding safer ways for our kids to enjoy the outdoors—biking, creating obstacle courses, and taking family walks that don’t involve any shared surfaces.
I can’t help but wonder if my perspective would change had the reopening process been more gradual and measured. Instead, the moment restrictions lifted, crowds surged into public spaces. This has left cautious parents like me, who have strictly adhered to guidelines, even more hesitant to step outside, fearing a resurgence of cases.
As we observe adults gathering without masks and not adhering to social distancing, the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus increases. The reality is, we still don’t know the long-term effects of COVID-19, if another spike will occur, or who might be a carrier.
In these uncertain times, the safest choice for my family is to avoid playgrounds altogether.
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Summary
The decision to avoid reopened playgrounds during the pandemic stems from the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. With ongoing research revealing new risks and the potential for virus transmission in public spaces, many families are opting to stay home. Instead of traditional playgrounds, safer alternatives for outdoor activities are being sought to ensure health and safety.