Summers are getting increasingly hotter. While we used to have just a few warm days, we now regularly face heatwaves that last longer and occur more frequently. Our climate is changing – and we’re all feeling the effects. It’s time to find smart solutions for a comfortable living environment! Did you know that a play area can be part of the solution to heat stress?
In this blog, you’ll discover how play areas contribute to climate adaptation.
Climate adaptation means designing our surroundings in smarter ways to better cope with extreme weather, such as heat and heavy rainfall. After all, no one wants to spend time on a scorching hot schoolyard or live in a neighbourhood where water lingers after a storm. Vulnerable groups – like children and the elderly – are especially affected by high temperatures. Prolonged heat can even lead to health problems and hospital admissions. That’s why it’s important to make residential areas and school grounds cooler and more pleasant. With climate adaptation, we ensure our environments are more resilient – both now and in the future. Cities are dominated by concrete and asphalt – materials that trap heat and make outdoor play quite unpleasant. On sunny days, they can become unbearably hot. Many traditional playground surfaces, like black rubber tiles, also retain heat and raise surface temperatures even more. That’s why it’s better to choose sustainable materials like bark mulch or grass. These stay cool, making outdoor play far more enjoyable. Wooden play equipment heats up less than metal structures, so children can play freely without the risk of burns. A green-blue play area or schoolyard isn’t just more fun to play on – it also brings many benefits to the environment. By combining nature, water management and cooling elements, these spaces are perfectly suited to the challenges of a changing climate. A green play area is full of vegetation – trees, shrubs and grass strips. Not only does this create a more playful space, it also helps cool the environment. On a hot day, a well-designed play area can lower the temperature by up to 5°C! Trees offer natural shade, while grass and plants absorb less heat than hard surfaces. A smart choice: broad-canopied trees like lime or plane trees offer lots of shade with minimal maintenance. Native trees such as willows or fruit trees attract insects, birds and other wildlife, helping to boost biodiversity. And the best part? Children experience nature up close and learn about their environment through play. Smart water management makes play areas future-proof. Rainwater can be collected in grassy strips and swales, helping prevent flooding and keeping the ground moist, even during dry periods. Water play features not only provide cooling but also endless fun! Children love playing with water and sand – it gives them the freedom to explore and create. It stimulates their imagination and problem-solving skills. Green-blue play areas don’t just benefit the environment – they have a proven positive impact on child development. Studies show that natural play spaces boost creativity and imagination. Children learn through discovery and experience when surrounded by nature. Play areas with water and sand also support sensory and motor development. Feeling sand slip through their fingers, watching water flow, and exploring different textures helps children improve both fine and gross motor skills. Playing with natural elements also enhances creativity, cognitive development and the ability to solve problems. Altogether, this contributes to their overall well-being and helps them better understand the world around them. Not every play area can be transformed into a fully climate-resilient space all at once. Fortunately, there are plenty of clever ways for local councils, recreational areas and schools to start making improvements step by step. Adding shade sails or planting trees can be a great first step towards a cooler, more comfortable play climate. Replacing hard surfaces with natural materials like bark mulch or grass can also be done gradually. At BOERplay, we support long-term planning by helping design phased transformations – so a play area can become an inspiring, heat-resistant space without requiring a large upfront budget. Many councils also offer grants and subsidies for green-blue play areas and climate-adaptive solutions. We’re happy to help – we’ve already done the research for you! As we said: it’s time to take action. By including heat stress solutions in the design of a play area from the outset, we can create spaces where children can play safely and comfortably all year round. With greenery, water features and smart materials, play areas become more inviting and contribute to biodiversity, water retention and healthier communities. Looking for a sustainable play area that stimulates children and stands up to heat? Our advisors are happy to help – get in touch and explore the possibilities! What is climate adaptation?
Smart use of materials
How does a play area contribute to climate adaptation?
How do green play areas support child development?
No more heat stress – solutions for every budget
A future-proof play environment
