I happened to find a new playground yesterday. Presumably it had been taped up at some point, but the gate was open and the equipment avaliable.
The DCs had a glorious hour playing. It opened up their imaginations. I sat on a bench freezing in a sharp breeze but their happiness made is totally worthwhile.
DS1 has dyspraxia. It was a joy to watch him climb and balance and use his body in a multitude of ways that we can't in out small garden. He has to relearn how to ride a bike after every winter. I'm concerned about the atrophy of his hard won physical skills such as swimming that have taken many years to develop. Access to playgrounds can help to stop that loss of muscle memory and strength.
There are so many surfaces accessible that are at least the same risk- benches, hand rails. When my DCs were done, I sanitised their hands. The reality is that they've played in trees and make-shift equipment lashed together with sticks and rope.
They've spent 3 months out of school. Haven't been able to see family since Christmas for various reasons. Haven't seen friends. They are lonely and understimulated and another 2+ months before they'll get back to school and any semblence of normality. They've been walked, and walked and walked (often past depressingly padlocked playgrounds). They are children. They need more than that. This is a big part of their lives so far (and more so for younger children).
The less that is avaliable for children to do, the less measured risks will be taken (especially by older ones) Opening playgrounds as usual is safer than alternatives that will occur anyway. Parents can manage their children as they see fit, cleaning hands, ignoring if they must.
Children's needs seem to be ignored at every step of the way through this and they are paying a high price for the least health benefit with long term consequences.