Are Swingsets A Thing Of The Past?

[youretooloud]

I took the kids to the park, and realized (after six years of being here) that our park only has only two swings. Growing up, our parks had at least 12.

I don't have a swing set in my yard anymore because our yard is too small, it would be unsafe.

So, I let the kids take turns on the two silly swings. Not even the four year olds know how to pump themselves. I was kinda surprised.

None of these kids have a swing in the backyard, and apparently there aren't many left on the playgrounds.

What is going on with swings?

[kendallina]

A lot of schools and childcare centers are doing away with swings. They are too dangerous .

Please sense my sarcasm...

It's sad- swings and movement are actually very beneficial to the growing brain (let me see if I can find some research links on this...).

[Meyou]

They're probably too dangerous. Everything else is. We dont have them at many parks here. The two I use the most dont have any.

[nannyde]

Swingsets and climbing equipment will eventually go away just like recess. Too much liability and no adults willing to supervise it or manage the poorly behaving children in an uncontrolled outdoor setting.

This generation of children need really really intensive supervision to keep them from harming themselves or others. It's SO much work and it's SO risky and costly if there are any injuries. Cities and school districts are trying to eliminate as much work and liability as they possibly can.

[mom2many]

The liability and risk of being sued is making it so much different for this generation and those to come. I used to have a playground structure in my backyard and decided 15 years ago to get rid of it. I never had an injury, but it always made me nervous. We now rely on park days and use the city's play equipment. I'm always extra vigilant and cautious around the swings with my dcks...I've seen too many close calls with kids & parents not paying attention.

[cheerfuldom]

this is so sad. we have great parks in my area and we have a nice backyard WITH swings. I understand the liability but sheesh.

[morgan24]

I did away with anything that was over 3' high, that included my swings & climbers. The state changed the rules a couple of years ago and we had to put down pea gravel, bark or sand. I don't remember the amounts but it had to have so many inches of sand and be so many feet around for the fall zone. It was cheaper for me to sell them. Now we just have trucks, sand toys, balls, small bikes, wagons, and some outside games.

[mom2many]

this is so sad. we have great parks in my area and we have a nice backyard WITH swings. I understand the liability but sheesh.

I so agree...it's a shame that kids just can't be kids.

[NiNi.R.]

When I was little my school park had a merry-go-round, teeter totters, swings, and a HUGE slide. All have been ripped out ...Before you know it children will only be allowed to play in a bubble wrapped "safe" room.

It's a shame really. Of course nobody WANTS their child to get hurt but it happens. When did it become wrong to tell your kid to "shake it off, your tough"

[youretooloud]

When I was little my school park had a merry-go-round, teeter totters, swings, and a HUGE slide.

I always got sick on Merry go rounds.... But, in my entire life, I've never known a single kid who got hurt on one.... teenagers and grown men do, but kids seem to have common sense.

When my kids have kids of their own, I hope they live in a house with a big yard, and I will buy them a huge swingset and climber, because my grandkids will always get to play.

[youretooloud]

Does anybody remember those uneven bars at school? We would bring a jacket or sweater so we could twirl without hurting our legs.

I bet those are gone too.

[Blackcat31]

Does anybody remember those uneven bars at school? We would bring a jacket or sweater so we could twirl without hurting our legs.

I bet those are gone too.

LOVED them!! Swung around them a couple times in 1st grade and apparently didn't understand gravity too well and fell and put my front teeth through my bottom lip. 14 stitches inside my lip and 12 on the outside.

My DH says Old School playground equipment was designed to weed out the sissies!

[permanentvacation]

Pretty much! Swings are dangerous. Kids fall off the back of them, kick other kids that get in front of them, get their swings high and jump out of them.

They are around in some parks, they are still sold to the general public, but many people are not installing them or buying them for liability reasons and just to not have the hassle of dealing with kids getting hurt.

I LOVED swings, so did my personal children. I had a swingset years ago for daycare, but haven't had one for years and most likely would never get one again for liability and hassle reasons.

[2ndFamilyDC]

I used to swing for hours when I was a kid. I remember the park by me had about a dozen. I have to say I have not been to a park now in about 15 years, so do not know how many swings they have. I have swings in my backyard for the kids and teach them to pump if they want to go on them.

[kendallina]

The school right behind me has swings (many, many swings!) and we take my daughter over there all the time. I LOVE swinging! I don't take the preschoolers, but when I watch just 2 girls (plus DD) in the afternoons I sometimes take them over there.