An article in Life Magazine "Playgrounds take a Space-age Spin", March 15, 1963,documents the use of space exploration as a playground motif, including the pictured satellite structure, located in Torrance, California. "In Philadelpha, where 160 playgrounds have the space age look, attendance has increased by as much as 800%".
The rocket climber pictured, still to be found at older playgrounds here in my home state, was made by the Jamison Manufacturing Company and could "accomodate 35 aspiring astronauts". Rocket climbers are the subject of a much-blogged photographic series by Lauren Orchowski., who logged over 23,000 miles of travel to document the often decaying structures, climbing into each one. Read an interview with Lauren at the blog daddy-types.
The photo of the rocket bought back so many memories - there was one in the park just up the road from where I grew up and we never got tired of it. Thanks for bringing it back for me!
ReplyDeleteI remember those rockets on the playgrounds of my childhood. I loved them, the fantasy play that evolved was a lot of fun!! Thanks for the great pictures of playscapes!! I love to look through your blog!!
ReplyDeleteCool Stuff. I had been wondering what time period the rocket ship play environments became popular. I saw this really cool double slide version in Tokyo"s Suginami ward recently... http://tinyurl.com/yjnt8aj
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great follow-up pic, Mr. Brian!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! As kids my sisters and I played on a rocket climber exactly the same as the one pictured. It was at the Forest Hill shopping center here in Melbourne Australia. My Grand mother always took us there to play ... Gosh I haven't thought of this in years ... thank you for helping me remember such a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteDonna :) :)