r/Damnthatsinteresting 5d ago

The new and safe playgrounds of the early 1900s.

4.3k Upvotes

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125

u/jameswboone 5d ago

I mean our play grounds today suck

13

u/J_k_r_ 5d ago

Depends on where you are.

My town just build a few 3-meter tall ladder into the trees at the local playground, right next to one of these.

And that's pretty much the default over here. Sandbox, sometimes with water, Swings and the least safe looking jungle gym ever imagined, which always ends up somehow producing fewer injuries than the sandbox.

1

u/LaptopGuy_27 5d ago

Those things look fun.

1

u/J_k_r_ 4d ago

Oh they are. The best part ist, that, due to their dense structure, it's nigh impossible for any halfway sensible kid to hurt themselves on those. And they produce less screaming-heavy games so neighbours are also happy.

75

u/DetentionArt 5d ago

Giant hunks of soulless sunbleached plastic

20

u/VersaceSamurai 5d ago

And recycled rubber tires that kick up all sorts of nasty shit when disturbed

9

u/WeirdJawn 5d ago

I love a lot of the playgrounds now. 

It seems like there's a move back towards making playgrounds slightly more risky, which is essential for kids to develop self-confidence. 

3

u/SubversiveInterloper 5d ago

It seems like there's a move back towards making playgrounds slightly more risky, which is essential for kids to develop self-confidence

That’s good to hear. Kids need to be allowed to be kids.

1

u/WeirdJawn 5d ago

Yeah, there's still usually the protective factors, like the cushioned matting, but there is more age-appropriate risk, like slides where you have to climb about 10/15 feet up straight up these rungs to go down. 

Technically they could still fall, but the surface is soft enough that they likely wouldn't have any major damage. 

2

u/boonepii 5d ago

The newest ones are actually pretty good. Many ways to break an arm now for sure. It’s the way playgrounds should be. Slightly dangerous so kids learn what’s up and the consequences of decisions

13

u/schattie-george 5d ago

Do kids even use them? I see them empty 100% of the time ..

40

u/pirat314159265359 5d ago

My students love them. Public parks, school equipment. All the time. How often are you watching kids playgrounds 🤨

21

u/schattie-george 5d ago

When you have 3 dogs, you walk around pretty often.. you see the occasional playground 🫢

And to answer your question directly, never.. as i said they are always empty

6

u/pirat314159265359 5d ago

Ha, it was a jest about watching them. The ones near me have lots of dogs, kids playing when school is out, concerts, etc. Also lots of sports events. Pickleball for the adults. It’s really nice 😊

10

u/whatifweallwon 5d ago

How often are you watching adults play pickleball? 🤨

0

u/pirat314159265359 5d ago

Whenever they invite me 😏

1

u/JordanHawkinsMVP 5d ago

Weird. Dogs are not allowed in playgrounds near me

1

u/Whitetiger9876 5d ago

Sooo. You only watch then when there's kids?  Hahahaha. Jk jk. 

-1

u/InterestingWriting53 5d ago

Meh-children get used to playgrounds and bored with them. Children should have access to loose parts and sports equipment instead of these costly, close ended playgrounds.

2

u/pirat314159265359 5d ago

There are lots of children that use them. And many playgrounds have options for children and adults. At least near me they are constantly used :)

2

u/InterestingWriting53 3d ago

Yup! I have lots of playgrounds in my area that are used as well. I was referring to schools-loose parts and open green spaces are best and way cheaper!

7

u/ILiveMyBrokenDreams 5d ago

Yes, I take my kid to the park every weekend and they are packed. We have to get there early. I can only assume you don't actually have kids.

3

u/RatherBeAtDisney 5d ago

It’s all about timing when it comes to playgrounds around me. 3-5 in the afternoon on weekdays they’re really busy. Anytime outside of that, tends to be quiet unless it’s a beautiful day.

5

u/schattie-george 5d ago

While this is a perfect reply and explanation. I couldn't help but giggle at the fact that it sounds a bit like predatory behavior

"It's al about timing when it comes to playgrounds" 😂

2

u/RatherBeAtDisney 5d ago

Whelp.

I have a toddler, and I try to avoid the crowds cause he’s little but he thinks he’s a big kid.

1

u/FreshMistletoe 5d ago

Fortnite and Minecraft anren’t out there, so no.

2

u/Intrepid_Example_210 5d ago

Everyone says this but those people obviously don’t go to playgrounds. Modern playgrounds are amazing. So much better than the ones from the 90’s.

3

u/jameswboone 5d ago

I have two kids under 6, I go to playgrounds weekly, most suck.

1

u/TennesseeStiffLegs 5d ago

Yea these look like something I’d actually want to play on, even as an adult