Editor's note: As Arizona continues to battle COVID-19, please follow social distancing and face covering guidelines in public at all times, including playgrounds.
A day at the playground can be tempting on a bright sunny day, but in the Arizona heat, it can also be dangerous.
Children playing outside during Arizona summers can face 100 days or more of temperatures north of 100°F. Too often playgrounds use heat-retaining, unnatural surfaces in the middle of parks with no shade, especially in Phoenix. These unshaded playgrounds can act as mini heat islands, which can disincentivize physically active play or even lead to burns.
ASU urban climate researchers Jennifer Vanos and Ariane Middel believe proper shading of playgrounds may be a solution.
“Shade protects children from the sun and keeps playground equipment cool and touchable,” said Middel. Their research provides insight into these spaces, as well as tips on keeping children safe in the heat.
Infographic by Alex Davis/Media Relations and Strategic Communications
More Health and medicine
![ASU Professor Sidney Hecht sits in a chair in front of bookcases](/sites/default/files/styles/block_image_16_9_med/public/2024-09/Biodesign-Portraits-SidHecht-231213-096%281%29.jpg?h=e11d43f4&itok=sEwd3CBJ)
ASU biochemist honored for lifetime achievement in improving human health
By Luhnyae CampbellWhen Sidney Hecht began his science career, biology and chemistry were typically viewed as separate disciplines that rarely interacted with each other. Hecht was one of the early…
![Exterior of ASU's Health North Building on the Downtown Phoenix campus](/sites/default/files/styles/block_image_16_9_med/public/2024-09/nursing-building_5614093899_o.jpg?h=0ceda520&itok=uod_ualn)
ASU awarded prestigious $5.8 million NIH Roybal Center
Living alone is a lesser-known risk factor for Alzheimer’s and other types of cognitive decline. With an estimated 14 million Americans aging solo — by choice or circumstance — Arizona State…
Student group wins $50,000 in first-of-its-kind pitch fest at College of Health Solutions
By Kimberly LinnOn the heels of another heat record-setting summer, the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University recently hosted its first-ever Student Research Challenge Pitch Fest…