Playgrounds are amazing.

They’re free fun. Something easy to do and a chance to get out of the house for a bit.

But why does it seem like every public playground was built in the middle of a desert where there’s a prohibition on trees and all other forms of shade?

I’m being dramatic, I know. But it seems weird that I have to do research on tree coverage at a new park before we go.

My toddler still needs help doing pretty much anything on a playground. So I’m right there with him, climbing the steps and crouching into a slide I outgrew 20 years ago.

Doing all of that with the sun beating down on us? I’m struggling.

For what it’s worth, though, I don’t think my son cares. He has no problem putting his hands on a metal handrail that’s been cooking all afternoon.

So, if you don’t mind sharing, what parks are you taking your kids to? Is it shaded? Is the playground equipment decent?

I need help.

Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.

Tyler Fenwick is the dad of a toddler who demands his parents read him approximately 300 books per day. You can reach Tyler at tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org.

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