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!
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
The Association of Play Industries Federation House Stoneleigh
Park Warwickshire CV8 2RF
T +44(0) 24 76 414999 ext 208
F +44(0) 24 76 414990
E api@api-play.org
Association of Play Industries (API) : Federation House : Stoneleigh
Park : Warwickshire : CV8 2RF
T +44(0) 24 76 414999 ext 208 : F +44(0) 24 76 414990
: E api@api-play.org W
www.api-play.org
