It's about time we started treating kids parks like dog parks

"I know these things cost money, but surely we could take away a fireman’s pole to make it work."

Whoever coined the phrase “it’s a walk in the park” mustn't have been at a playground with a toddler when they said it. 

Whenever I take my son to the park, it’s pure chaos.

He torpedoes down slides, defying gravity, until eventually he flees the park at a speed Usain Bolt would envy. The running away arc is only made worse when the park has no fence.   

And a surprising number of Aussie parks and playgrounds don't.

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"Consult just one mum prior to finalising the plans”

Even when he outgrows his runner phase, the list of dangers that a fence protects from is endless. I know in an enclosed park my child is safe from main roads, animals, or any bodies of water. 

My work colleague showed me a TikTok that perfectly captures the chaos of park visits as a mum.   

In the clip posted by @shanapland, with the text on screen reading, “I am begging the people who designed playgrounds to consult just one mum prior to finalising the plans.” 

Let me tell you, a poorly constructed park can truly make or break my mood. There’s a playground near my house that is fully fenced. It's bliss. 

The fun can be contained to a radius that doesn’t require an inhaler. With several different jungle gyms, a flying fox, and a sandpit, there’s no need to run away, but if my son suddenly found a reason to, he wouldn't get very far.

It seems like a small ask when it comes to constructing a park that many councils are still overlooking. We should be treating children’s playgrounds like dog playgrounds. 

At my local dog park, my Aussie Shepherd is treated to a large water bowl, complimentary poop bags, and a fence that can contain his need for speed.

However, a children’s playground is a giant game of tip no one wants to play. 

I know these things cost money, but surely we could take away a fireman’s pole to make it work within the budget. Those things rip skin off your hands anyway.  

Fences belong on the park wishlist with benches in the shade, public toilets nearby, and speed bumps in the parking lot.  

A fence is a welcome sight to any parent when they go to the park. Image: Supplied

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A fence is my park non-negotiable! 

Commenters on the TikTok had similar complaints about poorly constructed parks. 

“There is a very thin line between toddlers and pets. Please fence in all child play areas as you would a dog park,” one parent declares. 

A second mother added: “Also we don’t want picnic tables only, we want benches. My back hurts!” 

“Am I the only one thinking the playground so close to the parking lot feels like a kidnapper’s dream?” a third pointed out. 

When it comes to play dates, a fence around the park has quickly become a non-negotiable. 

I’d rather spend my time enjoying the equipment at a well-thought-out park, rather than chasing my son as he runs away from it. 

Originally published as It's about time we started treating kids parks like dog parks