Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Using salt on icy playground

    Posted 02-10-2021 12:50 PM
    Hello,

    Our playground is mainly blacktop with a high traffic area that is in constant shade in the winter which causes icy conditions.  We are concerned about using salt on the ice because of the warning to keep away from children, however, this year we have been getting a lot of ice and snow and with COVID we want to be able to have the children play outside safely. Does anyone have any advice on how to handle the icy situation? Does your center use salt or another ice melt chemical?

    Rodi Sutherland
    Staunton Montessori School 
    Aftercare Director
    Fishersville, VA


  • 2.  RE: Using salt on icy playground

    Posted 02-12-2021 09:23 AM
    Rodi,

    We do use ice melt.  We serve children 3-6 and some children have motor issues so it is safer for us not to have ice.  Currently it is -26 degrees here and the real feel is -49.  We only go outside for recess when the real feel is -10 or above.  So this whole week we have been inside for recess play.  When the children are outside, they are supervised the whole time by an adult.  Once the ice melt starts working, we shovel that area away.  I've also heard of other places using kitty litter.  We do an experiment every year about snow eating and after that I do not have anyone eat snow.  All we do is have kids collect the cleanest snow they can find and we take it inside to melt it.  They get grossed out at all the debris left over that they could not even see.  They naturally stay away from the yellow snow!  Ha!  Bad joke!

    I hope this helps!
    Amy Burke

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    Amy Burke
    Early Childhood Special Education
    Bowman County School
    Bowman ND
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