GIVING THE STREET GAMES A MISS.
Period : 1930's >>>?
Often, we kids would be looking for an alternative to playing out on the street.
What better few hours spent than in one of the purpose built " childrens equipped play area's "
created by the Birmingham Council planners.
These dedicated area's were ideal for the children to enjoy and mix with one another.
All the play equipment Installed was ground anchored and made from Cast Iron, Steel and Wood.
One such area in our district was situated in Rough Road, Kingstanding ( which was just off the shopping circle ). We were lucky because another similar equipped play area was situated just a mile down the road in Finchley Road Park.
Each piece of play apparatus on offer would become more understandable and enjoyable as experiment and observation of other users came about.
Always popular were the " SWINGS " and " ROUND-ABOUTS".
The Swings ( fully pumped ) were great for giving the feeling of speed and height, whilst sitting aboard a fast circling Round-about would induce that " giddy" feeling which seemed to be a favourite for some of the kids. Jumping on and off at high speeds was generally considered skilful as well.
All the kids seemed to have ago on the " HIGH SLIDE ". Sliding down " backwards "was the daring bit on this apparatus.
For a change of " technique " the " BELL " was the play equipment to try. This combined rotation and up and down motion at the same time. Made for a moving " climbing frame " if you cared to give it a go.
A good one to give the girls a ride on was the " PUMP ", with it's long wood beam suspended on swing bars. The beam forming the seats and hand hold bars enabled the riders to " cling on ".
This was a good one for the girl passengers to have a few little " screams " as the boys pumped the beam ever higher.
For a little " breather " between activities a quiet " up and down " on the " SEE-SAW " did the trick.
For us kids, these equipment play area's were thoughtfully designed and we loved them.
Just had to keep our eye open for the " Park Keeper ", he might not agree with some of our experiments.