Playground Musings

There is something really remarkable about playgrounds.

Who among us doesn’t have core memories of playing with their friends and family at their local park or jungle gym? These moments stay with us and rarely fail to bring about a smile.

Yukon kids have a lot of wonderful options when it comes to outdoor play, and playgrounds provide a perfect opportunity for our little ones to run around, climb, jump and have a grand ol’ time enjoying themselves in the outdoors.

Whether you visit Shipyard’s Park, Rotary Park or one of the many hidden gems nestled throughout Whitehorse neighbourhoods, the options are endless.

And, this time of year is perfect for playground visits. The snow has finally melted away and the weather is warm enough that you see spring jackets being thrown to the ground as children excitedly run to their favourite slide or swing. You see parents chatting happily with one another, grateful to have some time outside without being bundled up; and picnic lunches are taking place in the surrounding grassy hills.

The playground is the watering hole for the youngest members of our society. Whether they are beginning to walk or are old enough now to venture over with their friends for some socializing, these communal play areas provide a safe place to let loose, be silly and have fun.

My son was just a few months old when I took him to a playground for the first time. We used to have a small one about a fiveminute walk from our home, and I

Racing to his favourite place

On the big-kid swings

remember being so excited to see what his reaction was going to be when I brought him there. I recall the utter joy that appeared on his chubby little face as I pushed him in the swing, and his giggle as I held him in my lap when we took a ride down the slide. It was mes- merizing for him, and he just got more and more excited as he grew older and was able to navigate the equipment on his own.

It feels like yesterday that I watched him crawl up the little steps and across the platforms. My phone is filled with pictures and videos of my husband and I helping him climb the ladders—making sure we were there to catch him if he lost his balance. Now, I watch him go at full speed, in his best Jack Sparrow-esque run up to cont’d on page 13