15 Public Park Features That Would Be Banned Today
These old-school park features were once normal, but today they would raise a lot of red flags.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read

Public parks used to be full of things that would never get approved today. It was a different time, and safety standards were much looser. These park features might bring back memories, but you would not see them in modern parks anytime soon.
1. Tall Metal Slides That Sizzled in the Sun
Nathan Beach on Wikimedia Commons
These towering metal slides looked fun but turned into hot plates under the sun. Kids often ended up with burned legs or terrifyingly fast rides. Today’s slides are shorter, made of plastic, and designed for safety.
2. Merry-Go-Rounds That Spun Like Tornadoes
Jebulon on Wikimedia Commons
The old metal merry-go-rounds had no speed limit and no safety rails. Kids clung on for dear life while others tried to launch them into orbit. Most have been removed or replaced by safer, slower versions.
3. Seesaws Without Shock Absorbers
ИринаЯ on Wikimedia Commons
Classic wooden seesaws had no protection when one end hit the ground. Kids either crashed down hard or got launched into the air when the other person jumped off. Modern seesaws now have spring systems and softer landings.
4. Concrete Animal Statues You Could Climb
simmmox on Wikimedia Commons
Many parks used to have huge concrete animals meant for climbing. There were no handholds or safety padding, just hard surfaces everywhere. Today, climbing structures are made with grip-friendly materials and padded landings.
5. Open Ponds Without Barriers
JOHN CALLERY on Pexels
Public ponds used to be wide open, and kids were often allowed to feed ducks or even wade in. There were no fences or warning signs around deep water. Now, parks add railings, signage, or cover ponds entirely.
6. Tire Swings Hung From Tall Trees
Daniel Trylski on Pexels
Tire swings tied to tree branches used to be a fun, low-cost feature in many parks. They were rarely inspected and could snap or twist dangerously. Most have been removed for safety concerns.
7. Monkey Bars That Were Way Too High
Michael Rivera on Wikimedia Commons
Older monkey bars were often six or seven feet off the ground. Falls from the top meant serious injuries on hard-packed dirt. Today’s versions are lower and surrounded by rubber mats.
8. No Shade Over Playground Equipment
Filipe Silva da Rosa on Pexels
Playgrounds used to be completely exposed to the sun, heating up metal surfaces and plastic slides. Kids could barely play during the afternoon without getting burned. Shade structures are now standard in most parks.
9. Grassy Hills Used for Sledding and Rolling
Luis Quintero on Pexels
Kids used to slide or roll down natural hills without supervision. These hills often had hidden rocks or tree roots that could cause injury. Now, hilly areas in parks are usually off-limits or reshaped for safety.
10. Animals in Unfenced Petting Zoos
meomupmofilm on Pexels
Some parks used to keep goats or rabbits in open pens where kids could walk right in. There were no staff nearby, and hand sanitizer was nowhere in sight. These setups are now either banned or tightly regulated.
11. Rock Climbing Walls Made From Real Boulders
Carsten Schmitt on Pexels
Some older parks had giant rocks that kids were allowed to climb freely. These had no harnesses, grips, or safety zones below. Now, artificial walls are designed with strict guidelines and supervision.
12. Spinning Metal Domes You Could Hang From
SupapleX on Pexels
These dome-shaped climbers spun and shook as kids dangled from them. They were thrilling but had zero safety padding underneath. Today, many have been removed or updated with softer materials.
13. Sandbox Areas Without Covers
Valeria Shergina on Pexels
Old sandboxes were often left open, becoming home to bugs, litter, and sometimes animals. Kids played without knowing what was buried underneath. New sand areas usually have lids or get replaced by cleaner play zones.
14. Unpadded Swings That Could Hit Like a Wrecking Ball
Vladimir Srajber on Pexels
Classic swings were heavy and had little clearance. Kids often got smacked when they walked in front of one. Newer swings are spaced out more and made with lighter materials.
15. Drinking Fountains Shared by Everyone
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Shared fountains were everywhere and rarely cleaned. Kids would press their mouths right to the spout, spreading germs around. Many parks have swapped them out for bottle refill stations.