Students play at Monroe Elementary School in San Francisco. Removing asphalt, planting trees to provide shade and building outdoor shaded classrooms are simple and cost-effective ways to address extreme heat.

Recess shouldn’t be dangerous. Yet as temperatures continue to hit record highs across California and the country, playgrounds can pose serious health risks for students.

When outdoor temperatures reach 92 degrees, schools with asphalt playgrounds and rubber mats become scorching hot zones, with surface temperatures soaring to a staggering 149-165 degrees. That’s literally hot enough to fry an egg outside.

There have been reports of students across the state fainting and experiencing nausea due to high temperatures, and student-athletes struggling to stay safe as they practice. As climate change continues to bring hotter temperatures, this will become more and more common.

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Fortunately, the upcoming election presents an opportunity to implement a proven and cost-effective solution to this dangerous problem.

On Nov. 5, Californians will vote on Proposition 2, which would grant billions of dollars for much-needed repairs to modernize and maintain........

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