Step away from the slide: Wichita playgrounds are off-limits during coronavirus
Add it to the list of current realities that make us feel like we’re living an Alanis Morisette song:
Gas prices are low, but we can’t take a road trip.
Airline tickets are dirt cheap, but we can’t fly.
And now, the kids are home from school, we’re stir-crazy, the weather’s great, parks are open — and playgrounds are off-limits.
Isn’t it ironic? Or just a sign of the times.
Because of concerns about the spread of coronavirus, Wichita public schools announced this week that it would lock 50 school playgrounds that previously had been open to neighborhood children and families.
Sedgwick County locked up the Boundless playscape and other playgrounds inside Sedgwick County Park — although both that park and Lake Afton remain open regular hours.
And city crews this week posted signs in public parks declaring that Wichita playgrounds are closed “until further notice.”
Swings, slides, jungle gyms and teeter-totters are the latest no-no in our fight against coronavirus.
“Parks are open, but we’re encouraging people to stay off the playground equipment,” said Troy Houtman, director of the Wichita Parks and Recreation Department.
“One of the main reasons for that is because you may pick up the COVID virus by touching pieces of the equipment, and we just don’t have the opportunity to disinfect over and over again,” he said.
“Also, we need to encourage that social distancing. . . . We want to make sure people are not congregating at the playground.”
Experts say it’s still safe to get outside. Children, especially, need fresh air and movement.
But studies suggest that coronaviruses may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days, and people can catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
So, think parks — not playgrounds. Experts suggest bringing your own bats, balls, toys or other equipment and cleaning them after each visit. And of course, stay at least 6 feet away from other people, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Believe me, I recognize the angst and unhappiness this will create with our communities,” said Alicia Thompson, superintendent of Wichita schools. “But the reality is that we cannot assure that our playgrounds won’t become a harbor for community spread of the coronavirus.”
Unfortunately, some children and families are unaware or ignoring the warnings.
On social media this week, Wichita-area residents urged city officials and churches with open playgrounds to erect temporary fencing or other visual barriers to keep people off the equipment.
One mom said her daughter sees children congregating on a playground near their house and gets upset, thinking her parents are lying about coronavirus concerns.
“Our walks are going to avoid the parks because I’m tired of explaining it over and over,” posted another parent.
Similar to other measures intended to curb the spread of the coronavirus, some people refuse to do the right thing.
But once again, it’s crucial for grownups to be grownups. Be patient and acknowledge children’s temptation to climb or swing or slide, but be firm and clear: Playgrounds are a no-no — at least for now.
This story was originally published April 3, 2020 at 5:07 AM.
