Special Needs Kids Get "Protected" Out Of Their Playground
Liz Bullard writes at Crosscut that, in mid-October, the Seattle Parks department notified a playground for special-needs kids that they'd have to dismantle it, citing "extreme dangers" and "hazardous conditions."
You're thinking, Hmm, live wires flailing around? Razor-edged monkey bars?
Nope.
These so-called liabilities consisted of a four-foot rope ladder, secured at its top and base, a simple tree swing suspended from a large cedar tree, and a unique nest made of thick rope and bicycle tires.These simple play features may seem ordinary, but to our campers they are anything but. Here children with cerebral palsy, autism and developmental delays are encouraged and assisted as needed to climb and swing alongside their typically developing peers. The joy is palpable.
We complied with the order, but it has left a bitter taste in our mouths. Our kids have been robbed of the simple pleasure of climbing and swinging under a beautiful tree.
What we call the Wild Zone was designed to provide relief from the highly controlled and often hyper-medicalized world our kids move in. We are deeply unsettled and frustrated by their loss.
A private non-profit in in south central Seattle, the Seattle Children's PlayGarden is dedicated to providing children of all ages and abilities a safe, accessible and adventurous place to play away from therapy, doctor's offices, tutoring and school. Thousands of children have played here over the last nine years under the supervision of PlayGarden staff or a parent's watchful eye. There might even be a few lucky children who have played here free from any hovering adult.
None of them have been significantly injured -- not a sprain nor a fracture nor a serious wound among them.
The real injury comes from the Seattle Parks Department. But, unfortunately, bureaucrats are far harder to remove than a tire swing.
via @reason
Fear of litigation leads to the loss of common sense. Years ago when I went on a trip to Antigua, the taxi driver told me to be careful so I didn't fall because "there's no one to sue." How sad Americans are seen that way but an increasingly accurate perception.
holly at November 17, 2014 4:55 AM
It sure is. "Loser pays" might change that.
Amy Alkon at November 17, 2014 6:01 AM
More from the Nanny patrol:
http://theweek.com/article/index/254157/10-classic-sesame-street-moments-we-wouldnt-show-todays-kids
The author seems to believe what he's writing, but it could be a Poe. I watched the Youtube video and didn't see anything particularly objectionable, except I can see where a Children's song shouldn't reference a lover.
DaveG at November 17, 2014 8:41 AM
This happens all over the US. The grade school I went through has replaced the playground equipment at least 10 times in the last 25 years. To my knowledge no one was ever hurt. But a single complaint or fear is enough to rip out expensive equipment.
Ben at November 17, 2014 10:03 AM
I recently saw the types of playground toys I had as a kid...I was in South America. I also found myself standing at the edge of very high cliffs in the Andes without so much as a railing.
I was in Australia or New Zealand going on a white water rafting excursion. The guide had us all sign waiver forms and he made it clear that unlike the in the US you really were waiving your rights,,,you would at least have to show they intend to harm you. It was a wild ride.
A year or so later I was going on another one and the guide was going around quizing people about the experience with rafting and swimming abilities. He asked if I had rafted before and I answered "Last year I went down the blah blah river in where-ever" "You'll be fine" and no further questions.
The Former Banker at November 17, 2014 8:12 PM
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