For nearly every adult who grew up in Western Canada a playground contains some of the fondest memories of their childhood years.
And for many who are now adults, they also grew up in a time when a playground was a lot less structured than it is now. Make that insurable. Most of the rules and regulations we now grapple with have come to pass as a result of litigation, and playgrounds are no exception.
Although the intent of a playground is still for children to have fun in, the workings behind the scenes to bring one to fruition are mammoth. There is a long list of requirements to be met in order for a playground to be deemed insurable. And in the case of the natural playground proposal for the former RSS school ground, there could be many bigger hurdles to overcome to pass it through the hoops of the process to bring it to light.
It will be a struggle to ensure it can be insured, since the design will not be a conventional one, and therefore, a bigger risk. But it will be a worthwhile struggle if it means such a playground as was proposed this week is realized. The parents should already be applauded for the vision they have shown to date, and encouraged for the work yet to come.