> I'm so glad I was able to grow up in the (sadly last) "be home for dinner, be back by dark" generation.
Hey I'm old too. We played Lawn Jarts--the ones with the points on them. We rode in cars without seatbelts. We bike rode without helmets. Played tackle football without equipment on the frozen ground. We played Hardball at 6. And we Fought with each other.
When I was 7 some older kid took my ball; my mom said "You gotta learn to fight your own battles", that was my first black eye, and it hurt like hell. My dad did go to his house to speak with his dad, since the kid was about 13 years old. But that lesson about standing up for yourself was the most invaluable lesson I ever received.. I grew up in the World of Men where at times might does right, and tbh it still sorta does.
The playground equipment I see these days is simply awesome. Yes, improved safety, but also markedly more imaginative and fun-looking (climbing walls, flying foxes, monkey bars and other 'hang-from' stuff that's incorporated into interesting structures you can move around, still lots of swings). I don't see many see-saws but they were always pretty lame. I also don't see any merry-go-rounds but I didn't like them as a child anyway. I think kids have it so much better in terms of playground equipment these days, at least where I live. I do wonder that I don't see it getting more use though.
Check out some newer playgrounds. Now that they have this soft rubbery ground, all the "dangerous" stuff is back! :-) I live within walking distance of two different parks that have all four of what you named, in San Francisco.
Hey I'm old too. We played Lawn Jarts--the ones with the points on them. We rode in cars without seatbelts. We bike rode without helmets. Played tackle football without equipment on the frozen ground. We played Hardball at 6. And we Fought with each other.
When I was 7 some older kid took my ball; my mom said "You gotta learn to fight your own battles", that was my first black eye, and it hurt like hell. My dad did go to his house to speak with his dad, since the kid was about 13 years old. But that lesson about standing up for yourself was the most invaluable lesson I ever received.. I grew up in the World of Men where at times might does right, and tbh it still sorta does.