Schools look for shade solutions to keep recess outside during extreme heat
Kids in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles are being kept indoors for recess due to dangerously high temperatures, and schools are exploring ways to provide shade and keep outdoor play safe.
Hana Kiros reports for The Atlantic.
In short:
- Many schools in the U.S. are canceling outdoor recess as extreme heat increasingly extends into the school year.
- Shade structures can significantly reduce heat exposure on playgrounds, but the cost of installing them can be prohibitive for many schools.
- Schools in lower-income areas tend to have less playground shade, making students in these districts more vulnerable to heat.
Key quote:
“In many parts of the country, you are going to see school districts that are spending the first two weeks—even up to a month—with indoor recess.”
— Paul Chinowsky, director of the environmental-design program at the University of Colorado at Boulder
Why this matters:
Heat-related health risks for children are growing, and without adequate shade or cooling options, schools may have to sacrifice outdoor play, which is vital for kids’ development. Ensuring equitable access to safe play spaces is essential for all children.
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