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.
13. Parks from the past
Damaged play equipment at Devonshire Road playground on the brutal concrete surface. Remember those cone shaped climbing frames in the background? Photo: National World
14. Parks from the past
A shelter at Watson Road playground was demolished in 1990. It had been a haven for rowdy teenagers. Photo: National World
15. Parks from the past
Devonshire Road park in Bispham - a new look for the playground with modern equipment in 1989 Photo: National World
16. Parks from the past
Thousands of rubber mats were being fixed under swings and roundabouts in parks during the late 80s and early 90s - such as this in Kingscote Park Photo: National World
17. Parks from the past
A deserted Anchorsholme Park in October 1994 Photo: National World
