The Battle for Playgrounds

Closed as part of COVID-19-related public health orders to prevent the spread of the virus, playgrounds are reopening in most cities. In New York City, locks to playgrounds were removed back in late June, bringing joy to children eager to play outside. However, with indoor gyms only allowed to open with restrictions and at limited capacity, fitness enthusiasts have turned to some of the city's playgrounds for workouts.

As Jane Ridley of the New York Post reports in this article, some parents are very unhappy about this and believe that playgrounds should be spaces reserved for kids.

“It’s unfair on the children,” said a mom who regularly visits her neighborhood playground with her daughter. "Children can feel intimidated by them and can’t play properly because of their presence.”

Of course, those have been using playground equipment for exercise disagree. As an anonymous man who was climbing on a structure at another playground said in the article: "This is a public space meant for everyone in the community...It’s part of city life to see a mix of people sharing the same area."

Such conflicts will continue to arise if indoor gyms remain closed or restricted in use and gym users seek alternative places like playgrounds to work out.