Playtime Pastimes
The new Yo-Yo swing from Wicksteed Playscapes is the latest in a
long line of innovation from the Kettering-based play equipment
manufacturer – 90 years of innovation to be
precise!
A trawl through the company’s photo archives shows that
playgrounds of the early 20th century looked a lot different from
today’s play areas – with such designs as scarily high
skyscraping swings that, although considered great fun in their
day, could not be got away with now!
Picture from Wicksteed
archieves
When founder Charles Wicksteed set up the original engineering
firm in 1876 revolutionary design was at the forefront of the
company’s vision even then. So, the departure into play
and sports equipment evolved from a brilliant background. But,
while he may have started off with only one swing design back then,
today there are at least 20 different varieties of swings in
Wicksteed’s range.
The black and white playgrounds of the past have certainly had a
huge injection of Technicolor and safety measures; with
today’s impact absorbing surfacing even featuring painted
animals, numbers, toy boxes, robots, swirls and whirls – for
imaginative added play value.
And while steel was the material of choice back then, nowadays
there is plastic-coated metal, malleable rubber, timber from
managed forests and other sound, environmental materials such as
recycled plastics, reclaimed tyres, and even recycled washing
machine rubber seals being utilised throughout Wicksteed play
schemes!
Although thrill-seeking swinging hasn’t changed over the
years, where little and large had to share the same swings in the
1920s, today Wicksteed designs swings for all ages and abilities.
The stylish, contemporary look of the revolutionary Yo-Yo swing
appeals to older children, whilst the basket seat and anti-wrap
chains also provide comfort and safety - perfect for inclusive
play.
If Charles Wicksteed saw today’s play equipment swinging
into action he would surely be proud that his drive for innovation
has continued through the generations ~ for generations of new
children.
Learn more about Wicksteed by visiting www.wicksteed.co.uk