It's been a while since I took any of my three children to a playground. They are all adults now so that wouldn't sit well with them.
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But I have fond memories of taking them to many different playground when they were younger.
It was the thing we would do frequently before their school years, and something we would do on those afternoons after school when there were no extra curricula activities on the program.
What I loved most about taking all three of my children to the playground was the connection. It is a time when parents and children truly have to interact.
Let's face it no child hops on a swing without asking for a push. And no parent lets a young one propel down a slide or climb across a rope bridge without standing nearby with an outreached hand.
Quite simply a visit to a playground is one of those activities that provides valuable connection between children and their parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles.
There are some that will say that you don't need a structured playspace to connect with your children...and they would be correct. But a trip to the playground is no doubt a fond memory, or popular activity, for most people with children.
It is clear that these community attractions have advanced in recent times.
Personally, I still value the fun simple playgrounds offered my children - a swing, slide, see-saws. But who would deny that modern styles of playspaces are certain to light up the eyes of young ones.
From experience, I can assure that the modern safety measures, at the very least, are essential.
You see almost 25 years ago, when my oldest child was just five, he went to a playground in the Southern Highlands with his father, grandfather and little sister.
It was a memorable day for all and we still talk about it for a few reasons. Firstly, my son and his sister had a great day out with the patriarchs of our family.
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And secondly because of what occurred on that day. You see my son was playing on a see-saw with his sister when he fell off and hit the lip of the concrete pier that secured that see-saw in place at the centre.
He ended up with a spiral fracture to his shin and was in a full leg cast for about eight weeks.
That was the day when I realised that every playground, at the very least, required a soft fall surface.
But the biggest take away from that experience were the memories - yes that is correct, the memories.
The memories of the wonderful day my children had with their father and grandfather, the memory of the fun time they had at the playground until things went awry, the memory of this little munchkin pushing himself around on a skateboard at home because he didn't like using the crutches and the memory of having that plaster replaced, twice, because he wore out the heel while pushing himself on the skateboard.
The injury passed and it did not stop my son from wanting to go to a playground at every opportunity.
I don't know about you, but quality time with my children was always important.
Making a submission to Wingecarribee Shire Council on the draft playground strategy currently on exhibition is also important.
My expectations for playgrounds is at the very least, a soft fall surface, and enough playgrounds available to be accessible to all parents to make those special connections with their children.
What is it that you want?
Copies of the draft Playspace Strategy can be viewed online at www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au/play.
Feedback can be made online or in writing addressed to Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141 Moss Vale 2577 or alternatively by email at mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au.
The draft strategy will be on exhibition for a period of 28 days with submissions and feedback to close at 4:30pm on Friday, July 10.