Today, across the globe, you can find creative playgrounds and jungle gyms in backyards of homes and at schools and parks. Originating in Germany, playgrounds were created as fun and instructional play areas for children. In the past 50 years, playgrounds and jungle gyms have spread all over the world as they are not only designed for fun, but also as childhood development equipment.

Most playgrounds from fifty years ago consisted of teeter totters that were made of wood with metal ‘T’ handles. As well, the slides consisted of a slick sheet of metal. The metal became very hot in the sun and children would burn their legs. Other equipment in these early playgrounds included swing sets and merry go rounds. Back then, if a playground had a jungle gym included, it consisted of a maze of metal tubing at right angles. Children would climb up the jungle gym and sit on the top. Also they could swing along the metal bars and they could play inside the jungle gym. The jungle gym was like a big dome with triangles that children could climb through to get inside the jungle gym.

In the 70’s, playground manufacturing companies began using wood in the manufacturing of framework for various playground equipment. However, metal was used between the wood frames. Today, modern playground equipment consists of very little metal other than using metal as support poles. In addition, playground equipment of today is much safer and more comfortable. Slides are made of plastic so children do not burn their legs as they slide down the slide. There are also safety rails when climbing up the slides. The very big slides are enclosed so a child cannot fall off as they are climbing up the ladder and slides are available with twist and turns as well as straight. The swing sets are made mostly of plastic. Some playgrounds have bridges and big tubes children can crawl through. There are even rock climbing walls.

Modern playgrounds are built for the safety of the children. Consisting of mostly wood and plastic, they are designed to give children hours of entertainment as well as exercise. Today\’s playgrounds are mostly made from wood or plastic with safety and fitness in mind. Newer jungle gyms are often made with such materials as plastics, PVC, various types of ropes, wood and pipe, and other materials. Non-metallic jungle gyms are popular because they do not get hot on the really hot summer days. Jungle gyms and monkey bars that are made of plastic and PVC absorb impacts better and will not rust. Unlike the old style metal jungle gyms, children do not suffer such injuries as fractures, bruises, and sprains when they hit their head. Geodesic-shaped (monkey bars) jungle gyms provide a child with healthy exercise as they help develop a range of muscles. They also develop planning skills and eye-hand coordination.

Over the past 50 years, playgrounds and jungle gyms have undergone many changes that focused on child development and safety. Today, more homeowners are erecting children\’s playgrounds and jungle gyms in their backyards to help them develop important physical and development skills. They are also fun, educational, and a great way for a child to get outdoor exercise.

Looking for swing sets Toronto or playground equipment Toronto? Then visit Play Rainbow of Ontario at www.playrainbow.ca and build the perfect play set or playground in your own backyard.

Looking for swing sets Toronto or playground equipment Toronto? Then visit PlayRainbow.ca and build the perfect play set or playground in your own backyard.
http://www.playrainbow.ca

Author Bio: Looking for swing sets Toronto or playground equipment Toronto? Then visit Play Rainbow of Ontario at www.playrainbow.ca and build the perfect play set or playground in your own backyard.

Category: Family Concerns
Keywords: Swing sets, play sets, playground equipment, jungle gym