The playgrounds of the 1970s were a wild west of towering metal and high-speed thrills, but an undeniable disregard for safety led to many beloved (and dangerous) pieces of equipment being phased out, forever changing how children play.
For many who grew up in the 1970s, playgrounds were a thrilling, sometimes terrifying, rite of passage. They were built with heavy metal, concrete, and what often felt like an audacious disregard for anything resembling childproofing. While these structures provided immense excitement and fostered a sense of daring, the increasing number of injuries and growing public concern eventually ushered in a new era of safety, leading to the gradual disappearance of many iconic pieces of equipment.
Before the 1970s, playground equipment prioritized adventure over strict safety, with towering metal structures offering unique and exciting play experiences. However, this changed significantly as safety standards began to increase, leading to the removal or regulation of many stimulating yet hazardous devices.
The Metal Monsters: Slides, Jungle Gyms, and Monkey Bars
One of the most memorable — and painful — pieces of 70s equipment was the metal slide. These slides weren’t just steep; they became superheated by the summer sun, posing a significant risk of burns. Children often felt like they’d sat on a stovetop, and the sheer height and velocity could launch kids off the bottom. Today’s slides are made of plastic and are temperature-friendly, though the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) still notes that plastic can get hot enough to cause burns.
Jungle gyms and monkey bars of the era were typically giant metal cubes, pyramids, or domes, often placed over unforgiving asphalt or concrete. A slip meant a hard landing with no cushy mulch or rubber mat to break the fall. While some experts, like those cited by The New York Times, argue that such structures allow kids to take risks and test limits, parental pressure, changing federal guidelines, and the threat of lawsuits led to their widespread removal.
Spinning Sensations and High-Flying Hazards
The merry-go-round was a playground staple, often spun to dizzying speeds by older kids. Being thrown off and rolling into the dirt was a common part of the experience. Concerns about falls, collisions, and entrapment led many parks to eliminate them or significantly slow them down for safety. Lawsuits, such as those reported in New Jersey, further pushed their removal.
The witch’s hat, a less common but highly perilous spinning device, consisted of a wobbly metal disk or wooden bench on a central pole. It spun wildly and tipped unpredictably, causing numerous bruises. Its danger was underscored by reports, including five deaths in Britain in one year, according to The Financial Times, leading to its eventual disappearance.
Giant strides were notorious for letting children fling themselves around a central pole, holding onto dangling chains or trapeze-like bars. This “most notorious piece of playground equipment in history” is now expressly recommended against by the CPSC, making them extremely rare today.
Swings also differed significantly. With long chains and high arcs, children would pump them very high, leading to falls and collisions. The steel construction and sharp edges also posed risks of pinching and squeezing. Modern playgrounds feature safer, lower-height swings with improved safety precautions.
Tire swings, heavy and unpredictable, were another source of bruises and injuries, often swinging at speeds that made holding on a challenge. Similarly, animal swings made of heavy plastic, while whimsical, caused serious head injuries in over 40 reported cases, prompting the CPSC to advocate for their removal.
Other Vanishing Acts: From Sandboxes to Rocket Ships
Seesaws, once a quintessential playground experience, are now rare. The risk of children being smacked in the head led to updated federal guidelines requiring significant design changes. In 2016, only one classic wooden seesaw remained in New York City playgrounds.
Sandboxes, despite their innocent appearance, fell out of favor due to hygiene concerns. Cities like San Francisco have banned them because they are difficult to keep clean and often become giant litter boxes for neighborhood cats. One study even found that sandboxes harbored “2,000 times more bacteria, yeast, and mold per square inch than the door handles of public restrooms.”
Rocket climbers, giant metal structures shaped like rockets, were a common sight during the Cold War era, meant to inspire kids about space. Today, the few that remain are mostly abandoned, rusting hulks, replaced by safer, easier-to-maintain plastic equipment.
The Evolution of Surfaces and Materials
Perhaps one of the most significant changes has been the move away from concrete surfaces. Falls from playground equipment onto hard concrete or asphalt were a major cause of broken bones and serious injuries. Today, children have a much softer place to land, with materials like poured rubber, turf, rubber mats, wood chips, and shredded rubber being standard under playground equipment.
Wooden equipment, like the massive, maze-like wooden castles of yesteryear, is also becoming rare. While nostalgic, wood splinters and requires extensive upkeep, leading to a preference for colorful, low-maintenance plastic alternatives.
Even real tires, once used for swings, climbers, and pyramids, are being phased out. Real tires can harbor mold and insects, and the rubber mulch made from them has faced scrutiny for potentially harboring toxic chemicals.
Beyond the Mainstays: Niche Equipment and Changing Social Dynamics
Ball pits, once a highlight of indoor playgrounds, have largely disappeared due to health concerns. Everyone knew they were ground zero for germs, and as companies became aware of the risks, they were phased out.
Trampolines, another indoor playground favorite, are now rarely seen outside dedicated trampoline parks or backyards due to staggeringly high child injury rates. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against their use for children, and the CPSC also deems them unsuitable for playgrounds.
Basketball hoops are also less common on playgrounds today. Factors include kids preferring indoor activities or organized sports, and issues like vandalism or attracting unwanted crowds, as reported by outlets like ESPN and the Chicago Reporter.
Even innocuous swinging gates, once a simple spinning delight, are on the CPSC’s “no-no list” due to the risk of children being struck by the metal bars.
A Look Back with Nostalgia and a Nod to Safety
While the playgrounds of today may lack the raw, untamed energy of their 1970s predecessors, the shift reflects an increasing societal focus on children’s safety. The removal of some beloved, albeit dangerous, equipment may evoke a sense of nostalgia for adults who remember those thrilling days. However, it also highlights the ongoing evolution of play spaces to provide environments where children can explore, learn, and grow with a greater degree of safety.
