The child who insists on running up the slide at the playground is doing it for a good reason.
Chances are he's uninspired and trying to create more of a challenge for himself. And if the child is 9 or 10 years old, he is likely fully bored by the swings, slides and climbing gear.When I was a kid on the playgrounds of Spring Hill Elementary, on the "Mean Streets" of McLean, VA - 22102 - we played the following (awesome) games.
Some child-development experts and parents say decades of dumbed-down playgrounds, fueled by fears of litigation, concerns about injury and worrywart helicopter parents, have led to cookie-cutter equipment that offers little thrill. The result, they say, is that children are less compelled to play outside, potentially stunting emotional and physical development and exacerbating a nationwide epidemic of childhood obesity.
Some psychologists suggest that not exposing children to risk can result in increases in anxiety and other phobias. Children who never climb trees, for example, are more likely to develop a fear of heights, according to a study in Norway. And encouraging free play, in an age of structured activities and computer games, is believed to be important in helping children develop physical and cognitive competencies, creativity and self-worth.
Without ANY supervision or organization from adults.
1. Greek Dodge
This was two groups of kids, in a rectangular court. One red rubber voit playground ball. The game began with two "enders" who were outside the court. You tried to dodge the ball as it was whipped at you, your head, your body, your FACE - as hard as possible. If you CAUGHT the ball, then then the thrower was "out". If you got hit, you were out. Game proceeded until one side prevailed. Good fun!
Two Memories: On the court we played, there was a fair amount of finely milled gray gravel that spilled over from an adjacent play area. It made one end of the court, about as slippery as a freshly zambonied NHL rink. Good fun! Also, Ronnie Kerns was a little fireplug of a kid, who was damn near impossible to get out with any throw that he saw coming. The kid was a black hole for that stupid red rubber dodge ball. Amazing. Why did we call it "Greek" dodge? Have no idea. Seems like ordinary dodge ball.
2. Tower Tag
This was a cool piece of playground equipment, about 10 feet tall (it seemed much bigger as kids, but then again, we were small little snots at that age) that featured a 6x6 platform on top with two chain link "ropes" surrounding it like a boxing ring. The "ladders" on the sides of this tower were also a webs of chains. Who knows what was "intended" by the makers of this tower (climb up gently and a have a nice little look around?) but we as kids decided to play full blown "tag" on it. Which means kids were scurrying all up and down this thing like spiders on crack to avoid getting tagged.
Best Memory: Andy Baughman, a polite, well dressed kid, who was pretty damn quick and athletic when pressed, was so intent on evading a tag one time, he did a full FLIP over the top rope, and fell the full 10 feet flat onto his back! Right onto that non-shock-absorbing finely milled gray playground gravel. The whole playground stopped suddenly in a hush. Luckly, ol' Andy was only 'shaken up'. "Tower Tag" was immediately banned by the (likely annoyed) teachers who were momentarily distracted from their gossiping near the school doors, and the next September the ol' chainlink tower.... was gone. Just like that.
So yeah, I guess it IS good that some people are seeing the value in un-pussifying the North American schoolyard playground. Ronnie Kerns is probably a stuntman, and Andy Baughman a CEO.
Don't Tell Roger Goodell About These New Playgrounds: A Peek into Unconventional Sports Venues In the world of sports, innovation and creativity often lead to groundbreaking changes that captivate both athletes and fans. Imagine a scenario where traditional sports venues are replaced with unconventional playgrounds that challenge the norms and push the boundaries of what's possible. In this article, we take you on a journey to explore these new playgrounds that might make even the likes of Roger Goodell raise an eyebrow. We'll also address frequently asked questions to shed light on this imaginative twist to the sporting world. Unveiling Unconventional Playgrounds: The Concept 1. Redefining the Sports Experience Imagine a basketball court suspended in mid-air, a soccer field atop a skyscraper, or a swimming pool with underwater observation decks. These unconventional playgrounds redefine the way sports are played and experienced, combining innovation with the thrill of competition. 2. Melding Sports and Architecture Unconventional playgrounds blend sports and architecture in ways that challenge conventional norms. They transform urban landscapes into interactive spaces that engage athletes and spectators in entirely new dimensions. 3. Pushing the Boundaries From augmented reality-enhanced tennis courts to gravity-defying skateparks, these playgrounds push the boundaries of what's physically possible. They create environments where athletes can test their skills in innovative and unexpected ways. Exploring Unconventional Playgrounds 1. The Sky-High Basketball Court Imagine a basketball court suspended high above the ground, accessible only by elevated walkways or ziplines. This thrilling playground adds an element of adventure to the game, making every shot and pass an adrenaline-filled experience. 2. The Rooftop Soccer Field A soccer field perched atop a skyscraper offers breathtaking views and challenges players to navigate the heights as they score goals. It's a fusion of athleticism and urban architecture that takes the "beautiful game" to new heights—quite literally. 3. The Underwater Swimming Oasis Dive into a swimming pool equipped with underwater observation decks, where spectators can watch swimmers glide beneath the surface. This innovative playground redefines the concept of swimming as a performance art. 4. The Augmented Reality Tennis Court Step onto a tennis court enhanced with augmented reality technology. Digital overlays track the trajectory of the ball and provide real-time analysis, offering players a unique and interactive training experience. The Intersection of Imagination and Sport 1. The Power of Imagination Unconventional playgrounds embody the power of imagination in sports. They transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary arenas, inviting athletes and spectators to experience sports in entirely new ways. 2. Fostering Innovation These playgrounds inspire innovation not only in design but also in gameplay. Athletes are challenged to adapt their skills to unique environments, fostering creativity and pushing the boundaries of their sport. 3. Expanding Fan Engagement Unconventional playgrounds also revolutionize the fan experience. Spectators become immersed in the action, whether they're gazing at a soccer match against a city skyline or witnessing underwater performances. Frequently Asked Questions: Unleashing Creativity in Sports Q1: How do unconventional playgrounds impact the sports industry? Unconventional playgrounds challenge traditional norms, fostering innovation in both design and gameplay. They create new ways for athletes to interact with their sports and for fans to engage with the action. Q2: How can unconventional playgrounds benefit athletes? These playgrounds provide athletes with unique challenges that encourage adaptability and creativity. They offer opportunities for athletes to develop skills in unconventional environments. Q3: Are unconventional playgrounds feasible on a large scale? While some concepts may be more challenging to implement than others due to logistical and safety considerations, the innovative spirit behind these playgrounds can inspire new approaches to sports venues. Q4: How can fans experience these unconventional playgrounds? Fans can experience these playgrounds through virtual reality simulations, video coverage, and live events. Some may eventually become real venues, offering fans the chance to witness the action in person. Q5: What's the future of sports and innovation? The future of sports lies in the intersection of innovation, technology, and creativity. Unconventional playgrounds are just one example of how the sports industry continues to evolve to engage athletes and fans in exciting new ways. Pushing the Boundaries, One Playground at a Time Unconventional playgrounds merge the worlds of sports and imagination, offering athletes and fans a chance to experience competition in entirely new dimensions. From suspended basketball courts to rooftop soccer fields, these innovative concepts challenge us to rethink what's possible and to embrace the fusion of athleticism and creativity. While not every concept may become a reality, the spirit of innovation they embody is a testament to the endless possibilities that await at the intersection of sports and imagination. So, the next time you step onto a traditional court or field, take a moment to envision the possibilities of the playgrounds that could be—don't tell Roger Goodell just yet!
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