Myth 1: The Sandbox is Gross
What is it that makes playing with sand so magical? If you find yourself on a beach this summer, take a moment to watch the children (and some creative adults). Building with sand is just so satisfying. Yes, sand castles and other sand structures can break apart, but they can also be fixed, completely changed, or stomped into oblivion. A castle made of sand is not static like a castle made of hardened plastic. Add just the right amount of water to sand and the possibilities grow exponentially.
Why then, are some of those same people frolicking at the beach (let’s be clear - the adult kind) so concerned about the cleanliness and safety of the local sandbox? We get it. No one wants a child to play in a kitty litter box or breathe in silica dust. But the truth is that when sandboxes or sand pits are built and cared for properly, they are wonderfully safe.
Start out by filling the sand-boxes with silica-free play sand. Dust problem eliminated. If visiting animals or falling leaves are a problem, when not in use, sandboxes can be covered with a simple, loose mesh cover, and tied or weighted down. The mesh allows the sun and fresh air to keep the sand clean and prevent it from going sour. And, it keeps the critters off (as do the tall fences surrounding at least the school playgrounds).
We have some other fun tricks to get the sand off the feet of children as they leave the sandbox – although the truth is, kids love to carry sand and water to and fro so sand always seems to travel. This is why keeping rakes, brooms and shovels nearby is always a good idea. And don’t forget to position a sandbox on your playground so that it’s near enough to a primary path to be easily accessible to those with limited mobility. But, set it back far enough to keep sand from causing a slip hazard on the path.
Sand play is one of the most wonderful aspects of any playspace especially when there is a water source nearby. Let’s not hesitate to let our children take advantage of all the benefits and fun possible there. And, keep in mind, if you don’t consider the sand at the beach a problem, you likely shouldn’t consider the sand on the playground a problem either. Enjoy!