15 Playground Trends from the ’70s and ’80s That Would Be Illegal Today
These old-school playground trends were all fun and games, until safety rules stepped in.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Playgrounds of the 1970s and 1980s were adventurous arenas filled with towering metal structures, minimal safety measures, and a dash of danger. While these features evoke fond memories for some, they also serve as reminders of the importance of modern safety standards.
1. Towering Metal Slides
Nicola Barts on Wikimedia Commons
These towering metal slides, often reaching dizzying heights, were playground staples. On hot days, the metal would heat up, leading to burns, and the lack of safety rails made falls a common occurrence.
2. Concrete and Asphalt Surfaces
Anuoluwapo Abosede on Pexels
Before the advent of rubberized mats, many playgrounds featured hard concrete or asphalt surfaces. Falls often resulted in scrapes, bruises, or more severe injuries, making playtime risky.
3. High Monkey Bars
Climbers High on Wikimedia Commons
Monkey bars were often set high above the ground, challenging children’s upper body strength. However, the significant height combined with hard surfaces below made falls particularly dangerous.
4. Traditional Seesaws
Jan Honvehlmann on Wikimedia Commons
Seesaws provided endless fun but posed risks when one child abruptly dismounted, sending the other crashing down. The lack of shock absorbers made for jarring landings.
5. Metal Merry-Go-Rounds
John Samuel on Wikimedia Commons
These spinning platforms could reach high speeds, and without proper grip, children were at risk of being thrown off. Injuries from falls or collisions were common.
6. Tire Swings
EgorovaSvetlana on Wikimedia Commons
Often suspended from tall frames, tire swings could twist and turn unpredictably. The heavy tires posed risks if they collided with children or the swing’s chains snapped.
7. Climbing Domes
Hameltion on Wikimedia Commons
These geodesic metal domes encouraged climbing but lacked safety nets or soft landings. Falls from the top could result in serious injuries.
8. Log Swings
John Stephen on Wikimedia Commons
Resembling oversized teeter-totters, log swings could accommodate multiple children. However, their size and momentum made them hazardous, especially if not used properly.
9. Tall Metal Ladders
Adományozó/Donor: Fortepan on Wikimedia Commons
These vertical ladders led to high platforms or slides. Without safety hardness or guardrails, missteps could lead to dangerous falls.
10. Spinning Barrels
Albin Olsson on Wikimedia Commons
These rotating barrels challenged children’s balance but lacked safety measures. Falls inside or attempts to exit while spinning posed significant risks.
11. Chain Bridges
Wzhkevin on Wikimedia Commons
Suspended chain bridges tested balance and nerve. Without side railings or safety nets, a misstep could lead to a hard fall.
12. Fireman’s Poles
Mikita Yo on Pexels
These vertical poles allowed quick descents but required grip strength and coordination. Slips could result in rapid, uncontrolled falls.
13. Maypoles
Brian Robert Marshall on Wikimedia Commons
Maypoles invited kids to spin around at high speeds, often leading to dizziness and falls. The lack of safety restraints made it easy for children to lose their grip and be flung off.
14. Metal Rocking Horses
Anonymous on Wikimedia Commons
These heavy metal rocking horses could pinch fingers, and their hard surfaces caused injuries during rough play. Their rigid design offered little cushioning for energetic riders.
15. Curved Space Diamond
Peter Jon Pearce on Wikimedia Commons
These intricate climbing structures challenged kids’ agility but lacked protective barriers. Falls from the top levels onto hard surfaces were a significant hazard.