Three Easy Solutions to Address Safety and Hygiene Concerns Re: Sandboxes
(Response to http://hoodline.com/2017/07/citing-safety-hygiene-rec-parks-considers-removing-sandboxes)
Syringes, broken glass, cat feces.
Yes, it would make any parents' skin crawl. But is the skin crawling effect is enough to then make the city BAN SAND? Can we just let the reactions of a few vocal parents make us lose our ability to suggest more CREATIVE solutions? For example, we propose the following also be considered. After all, several NEW playgrounds already have sand (e.g., Glen Park, Cayuga, Sunnyside), so isn't there a need to address these issues with existing playgrounds?
So, here are some of our alternative solutions to the problem of possibly exposing our sandboxes to needles, broken glass and cat feces:
Consider sandbox cover ideas (tarp, automatic cover) during planning phase. Case in point - Upper Noe has a sandbox with a tarp that is stored in a nearby lockbox!
For those sandboxes with covers, consider restrictions on when sandbox will be open and when it will be closed (e.g., can coincide with when bathroom facilities are open).
Increase access to Safe needle deposit boxes near public playgrounds.
What do you think? Do you think we should include these creative proposals in our playground design planning?