A new study out of the U.S. is shining the light on the not-so-fun side of playgrounds - the safety hazards, specifically concussions.
Data from 2001-2013 examined by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show an increase in the number of playground-related concussions.
The study found there were about 18,000 traumatic brain injuries suffered on playgrounds in 2001. That number dipped to 13,000 in 2005 but then steadily climbed to 29,000 in 2013.
The injuries were mainly mild, but researchers said the all concussions can be serious.
They said the increase could be due to more concussion awareness, or more kids using playground equipment.
Neither Manitoba Health or the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority has concussion data specific to playground injuries.
Dr. Lynne Warda is an emergency room physician who specializes in pediatrics at Winnipeg's Children's Hospital.
She has noticed a spike in concussion-related hospital visits.
"What might seem like a minor head injury, there's a recommendation to see a doctor so we're certainly seeing that here as well," said Dr. Warda. "On a daily basis, we see actually many children who come in with bumps to the head of varying degrees - some serious, some not so serious, and the parents they always ask, 'is this a concussion?'"
She said the increase in numbers is likely due to more awareness.
Dr. Warda said that's not necessarily a bad thing if it means kids are getting treated for concussions, as opposed to not seeing a doctor.
Winnipeg father Mark Burym allows his son Owen, 3, to explore playgrounds on his own as much as he can, and tries to pick playgrounds which are safe.
As a parent, he thinks it's important to let his son test his limits, while minimizing risk.
"Do you need them wearing rubber suits all the time," said Burym. "There's a point, right, a kid's gotta learn and a kid's gotta get hurt once in a while, otherwise they won't grow up."
