Any house of worship is a place for community building. This is where people come for some much-needed respite from life’s chaos and challenges. It is a great space to engage and socialize. A warm and welcoming atmosphere for people of all ages and abilities is what makes a church special. Therefore, it should also strive to become an enriching space for kids, beyond Sunday school. The best way to ensure an attractive ambience for children is to add a recreational zone. Play is actively engaging, socially interactive and iterative, helping children gain essential life skills and knowledge. It helps in pre-primary education and might be appealing for parents too.
The playground must be good fit for the property. It should be able to serve your community and create a positive image about your congregation. Make sure it is an artistic extension of the church itself for a greater impact. Look at why all of the above are a must.
Visual Appeal
Reaching out to the larger community is one of the main goals of churches. Having a play area sends a message that it is fun and family-friendly. Families with children are likely to pay a visit. Do get in touch with the best commercial playground company with qualified designers, engineers and artists. They can help build a signature destination with custom play sculptures, themed panels, roofs and climbers to enhance the health and wellness of children. Pick Biblical themes like Noah’s Ark or Adam and Eve to turn spiritual learning into a tactile and fun experience.
Offers a Safe Space
Churches get crowded during Advent Sunday, Easter or other similar occasions. This can be quite uncomfortable for the little ones, leading to an irritable mood. The playground helps kids take a breather. They can go out and play in the fresh air and sunshine. This is a much safer option than running around in the parking lot or near the road. Make sure the space is fenced in to keep the little ones from straying away without parental supervision.
Reduces Screen Time
This is a growing concern among parents in the 21st century. Too much screen time can lead to behavior problems, obesity, educational problems, sleep issues and violence. But having a church playground can reduce screen addiction. Children are more likely to spend time outdoors at your facility and interact with other visitors. This is extremely beneficial for cognitive growth than staring at mobiles and TV all day.
Better Sense of Togetherness
A faith center welcomes people from all walks of life. Children are able to connect with each other, nurture new friendships and learn about various communities. They also become more open and accepting towards differently abled kids. This encourages a sense of care, empathy and universal brotherhood. These are crucial qualities parents try to inculcate from a young age. A playground can cater to this need and promote belongingness and harmony.
Make sure all the equipment is stable and well-anchored, place soft materials under swings and pick age-appropriate structures. Further, encourage parents to keep an eye on their children at all times to avoid accidents at the playground. All of this combined will benefit your church for the longest time.