The Death of the Playground Merry-Go-Round

If you are over the age of 30, it is likely you played on a merry-go-round at a park similar to the one pictured above. If you're under 30, it is likely you did not. They aren't around anymore, and I'm certain it's because kids got hurt on them, their parents sued park districts, and so they took them out. How do I know this? Well, this law firm's webpage not only talks about the requirements for any current merry-go-round, but also has a handy form to fill out if your "child was severely injured from playing on a merry go round." You "may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering." They'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Anyway, there's a camp we visited in Wisconsin last fall that still has them and so our kids got to play on one. Just look at the joy on their faces. Unbridled joy. There was nothing like running as fast as you could, then jumping on and spinning and spinning and spinning. If you know of a playground that hasn't yet had theirs removed, enjoy it. And tell me where it is, so my kids can play there.

Comments

[Sue]

Our neighborhood playground has one! And I admit being a little surprised to see it there - but there it is. And it sits on regular old wood chips - NOT the rubber 'chips' on so many new playgrounds! My kids love it.

[Syler Thomas]

So your kids get neck injuries AND splinters-- that's awesome. Just like the good ol' days...

[Christy]

I both have a memory of an awful fall off of one of those as a small kid and another memory of finding an old one with my own kids and having a blast.

Another playground relic - the really really tall metal slide. We have a rare one at our homeschooling co-op, my oldest managed to chip his tooth on it ;)

[Syler Thomas]

Metal slide...the best. Those plastic slides are awful, and cause terrible static electricity to boot.

[Mama]

You certainly highlighted the good old days. And now, you need more kid pictures on your blog.

[Will]

Fortunately our small-town park still has one, but just as others have said, I am a bit surprised. I am pleased though, kids today should not be deprived from the same fun we had.

[paula montgomery]

Aw, the good ole merry-go-round...we have one in our city and my grandkids love it! At this point I am looking to buy them one for their backyard. We have a great time on it anytime we viist the park even though they have a playground in their back yard. We still go and have a great time.

[Susankay Cowgill]

I have one in my back yard I am getting ready to sell! My kids loved it, but are grown. I am in Ohio and will be putting it on Craigs List for Columbus/Dayton today-7/28/10. Still researching the price. It is just like the one in the pic.

[AMIE GRACE]

I REMEMBER OUR MERRY GO ROUND JUST LIKE THE ONE IN THE PIC, IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE SELLING ONE PLEASE INFORM ME TRYING TO BUY ONE FOR OUR COMMUNITY CENTER