With 2021 being just around the corner, commercial playground operators and community playground managers are most likely thinking of what’s ahead. Things such as business, health and safety are the major concerns for most, and that includes the playground industry.
2020 was a challenging year for the playground industry due to the pandemic and early in the year, playgrounds were mostly closed due to lockdowns. In the later months of 2018, we saw how some playgrounds were able to reopen despite the cautious restrictions. In 2021, things might be a little better or mostly the same of what the year was.
If you’re a playground operator or a playground manager, these are the things to think about for 2021 with regards to playgrounds.
The Pandemic Effect
We’ve seen first-hand how the pandemic affected the playground industry. There have been closures, there have been struggles and there have been a large paradigm shift when it comes to manufacturing and admission of children. In 2021, expect something similar where parents are still cautious and would most likely tell their children to stay at home. Local government will still continue to advise families to stay home and avoid commercial areas as much as possible. This is the continuing effect of the pandemic and it’s broad subject to think about. Playground operators and managers will need to brace for semi lockdowns and social distancing despite playgrounds being allowed to operate.
Outdoor playgrounds will most likely be the preferred destination for play as an outlet for a change of scenery. For indoor playgrounds that are commercially operated, the price of admission could mean less families, but this is also a strong point of consideration where privately operated playgrounds with a strong portfolio on cleaning and sanitation will still be a good destination, as an alternative to public playgrounds.
Cleaning and Sanitation
The focus of cleaning, sanitation and disinfection will be put on a microscope as a statement on health and safety. This means playground operators will need to invest more time and resources in cleaning and sanitation of their playground facility and equipment. They will also instill a more stringent policy on personnel cleaning responsibilities in maintaining the place for disinfection.
Community playground managers will also need to maintain a consistent cleaning and disinfection procedure. Despite the playground being outdoors, it will still need cleaning and maintenance as an assurance to its serviced community.
In providing a consistent basis of cleaning and sanitation, a budget increase is needed to procure the necessary supplies:
- PPE
- Cleaning solution
- Disinfection solution
- Sanitation supplies
- Other maintenance supplies
That’s a starter set and the potency of these solutions will be essential in keeping the playground in a hygienic state.
Things Might Not Be Normal Yet
We’ve heard of the new normal and how it is a societal phase bridging the time of the pandemic and the post-pandemic, but with the troubling news of the new strain of the coronavirus and local quarantine procedures in set for cases of outbreaks, playgrounds are still to be affected by public restrictions and gatherings.
But the silver-lining is that 2021 is a year where the world and the playground industry is equipped with the knowledge and experience in adjusting to the strict health protocols that are required for businesses to operate.
iREC is a world-class commercial playground and fitness manufacturer. We help develop and supply communities, commercial playgrounds and entertainment facilities with quality playground equipment that can be custom made to fit your project requirements when it comes to playground projects. Contact us today: Call us at +63 047 250 2779 / +63 047 251 3139 or email sales@irec.ph to get in touch with our sales team.