The Value of Play, Playgrounds and Parks During the Pandemic A study by the International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association exemplifies the importance of play By Richard J. Dolesh O 44 Parks & Recreation | DECEMBER 2 0 2 1 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . O RG ne incontrovertible fact about the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been that people across the United States have turned to parks and recreation areas for healthy outdoor physical activity and relief from the worries and pressures of the pandemic on them and their families.