When you’re a kid, going to the playground for a few hours can make for the best afternoon imaginable. You get to swing, go down the slide, and run around with new friends.

But going to the playground isn’t just a carefree romp for children – it benefits them in a variety of ways. Here are a few things playgrounds provide children within their formative years:

Physical Activity

Anyone who has taken a child to a playground even once knows how much exercise they can get in a short time. That’s a good thing! Preschool children should be active throughout the day and school-age children should get at least an hour of physical activity per day. Access to a playground in the neighborhood can help encourage kids to be more active in a way they will enjoy. This can help combat the rampant issue of childhood obesity.

Social Skills

Playgrounds provide the opportunity for kids to meet and play with other children their age. Social play is an important part of children developing social skills. They’ll learn how to communicate, how to listen to and respect others, how to share and take turns, to be part of a team, and to resolve conflicts. All of these lessons can be learned on the playground.

Boost Self Esteem

Another important aspect of the development of a child is developing their sense of confidence and self-esteem. It’s important for children to like themselves and be proud of who they are. They can develop confidence with the kind of independence they receive on the playground. These new experiences, positive interactions, games, and more all help a child feel more confident and secure in who they are. Making friends can also help children develop a sense of inclusion. It can be additionally beneficial for children to have the ability to include others.

So much important childhood development happens on the playground so it’s important for playgrounds to be safe for the kids that play on them. That’s why rubber mulch is the perfect solution for playgrounds across the country. rubber mulch provides a soft-landing surface for the children while also being more durable and cost-effective in the long term. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors that can match the feel of the playground or neighborhood.

If your playground is in need of rubber mulch, Shredded Mulch Rubber Safe Playgrounds Inc can provide that for you. Contact us today to learn more!