Delta’s adventure playgrounds are back for the summer.
The play spaces, which debuted last year, opened last week and are once again located at the South Delta Recreation Centre in Tsawwassen and the North Delta Recreation Centre.
There are tools like hammers and saws for children to build structures, work together and use their imagination, all while learning to assess risk.
“The coolest thing we’ve seen is everybody working together. We don’t have a piece of wood and a tool for every child that’s in there,” says recreation program coordinator Kelly Wilson.
Parents are encouraged to let their kids explore on their own in the unstructured environment. There is a trained play attendant on-site, notes Wilson.
“The role of the play attendant is to be an advocate for play, oversee the basic guidelines, educate children on the difference between a risk and a hazard, and to assist if first aid is required,” Delta’s website explains. “Play attendants are happy to answer any questions about the play space. Their role is not to lead play or supervise, but to provide support at the request of the child.”
The free, drop-in activity is open to kids of all ages.
“It’s a really good way for kids to assess their risk,” Wilson says.
The playgrounds proved to be popular last year, she adds.
A staff report to Delta council describes them as a “tremendous success” with over 3,700 visits last year.
The adventure playgrounds are open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily throughout the summer. They run until Sept. 3.
Anyone who enters the playground needs to be wearing close-toed shoes.
