Playground Swing Sets

Confusion often arises when speaking of playgrounds because the question of their whereabouts always begs to be answered. So, for the sake of semantic clarity I have looked it up in the Random House Wesbster’s College Dictionary and here is what it says:

1. An area used by children for outdoor recreation usually containing play equipment such as slides and swings.
2. Any popular recreation area, as a resort.
3. The area or sphere of a particular activity.

To the best of my understanding of this dictionary’s definition, especially the first one, a “playground” has to be outdoors but no references are being made to the location of the outdoor or any distinction between the public outdoor and the private outdoor. Therefore, I am going to assume that playgrounds can be either and both—public playgrounds in public parks of private playgrounds in backyards.

I have also found a few “playground” metaphors that I would like to share with you:

1. “Playground” can be an unofficial term to describe an area designed for any particular group of people, for example: “The resort spa has become a playground for millionaires.”

The second dictionary definition alludes to that.

2. “Playground” can also be the title of a summer program. In many cities across the country, public playgrounds have been turned into free daycare services that only use the playground as a meeting place for the “playground program” to begin. From there, the childcare providers take their children to other fun places such as field trips to a swimming pool, a miniature golf course, a laser tag adventure, a museum, etc.

3. “Playgrounds” can be part of an overall play space. The play space can consist of areas for adults and can be considered a community gathering place or center.

For the most part, playgrounds are designed for children to play and are equipped with swing sets that include, among other accessories, see-saws, slides, climbing ladders, walking bridges, crawling tunnels, jungle gyms, chin-up bars, monkey bars, overhead ladders, trapeze, rings, swings, playhouses, mazes, and much more. All these provide children with opportunities to develop physical coordination, strength and flexibility. Furthermore, playgrounds and their swing sets afford children ample recreation and enjoyment in a structured and safe environment while breathing fresh outdoor air.

Professionals and experts on child development acknowledge that the social skills that children develop on playground swing sets and the physical strength and dexterity they acquire become useful lifelong skills that they will carry into their adulthood. Researchers have determined that playgrounds are among the most important environments for children outside their own homes. Researchers have further concluded that most forms of play are essential for healthy child development, but the free and spontaneous play that children derive on playground swing sets is the most advantageous type of play.

For swing sets on public playgrounds and in the interest of public playground safety, the IPEMA (International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association) provides a third-party certification service where a designated independent laboratory validates a manufacturer’s certification of conformance to ASTM F-1487 (excluding section 10 and 12.6.1), Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Public Use standard. The use of this seal signifies the equipment manufacturer has received written validation from the independent laboratory that the product associated with the use of this seal conforms to the requirements of ASTM F-1487.

Playground swing sets prepare to become better adults.