They are ingrained memories of steep, graffiti ridden slides made from metal which was ice cold in the summer and scorching hot in the summer. And they had nothing but concrete to break a fall. Gripping on to roundabouts with fear of slipping underneath by the ankles and see-saws which flung the lightest child into the air before a painful bump back on the seat. The generation survived what were eventually branded perilous playgrounds. Despite the dangers, most kids from those days had hours of fun but moves in the 1980s to make children’s playgrounds safer were a game changer for future generations. Some of the later photos show those changes – play equipment was lower to the ground, constructed from kinder materials and most importantly they had soft landing spaces. The photos certainly evoke memories.
5. Parks from the past
Two youngsters on the swings at Watson Road playground in 1994 under the rumble of Yeadon Way
Photo: National World
6. Parks from the past
This is a local park in the Blackpool or wider Fylde area - but we don't know which one. Do you remember it?
Photo: National World
7. Parks from the past
A vandalised shed stands in the middle of the park on Mereside Estate in 1993
Photo: National World
8. Parks from the past
This is how many of us remember slides back in the day. This photo was taken in 1993 at Highfield Road playground. It was ready for improvements
Photo: National World