Strange new playground equipment is dividing social media - what do you think?
- Replies 19
We all know that times have changed a lot and one of the biggest changes has been in children's playgrounds.
Gone are the days when all you could find was one squeaky swing and a metal slide that got so hot in the summer, it always burnt your legs!
Nowadays, public parks and playgrounds are more like amusement parks, with fancy flying foxes, multi-story climbing gyms and sensory stations for kids to enjoy.
However, not everyone is happy about this change – as evidenced by the recent uproar over a new piece of equipment installed in a NSW public park.
Taking to Reddit, a local in the western Sydney area of Canterbury Bankstown shared their confusion, posting a picture of what appears to just be three wooden pillars stuck in the ground.
'This appeared in the playground in my local area,' they wrote. 'What is it for? And is it a good swap for swings? The redesign of the playground is now complete, so it's not something half done.'
People were quick to speculate as to what the poles might actually be used for, with some suggesting that they actually serve a very important purpose.
'Whenever you see random things like this that don't seem to do anything in a playground, they're for "creative play",' commented one user. 'Kids can hit them, climb them, hide behind them, run around them, whatever. Doesn't matter.'
'The idea is that if everything in the playground has a set way that you're supposed to engage with it, kids are then limited in how they can use their imaginations. Random stuff gives them a chance to do whatever without an adult being able to say they're doing it wrong.'
Another person agreed and shared: 'I remember as a kid, sometimes you just wanted a solid post or a wall you could throw balls at, use as a cricket stump etc. I definitely support this.'
However, others raised concerns over the potential safety risks caused by the upright logs, with one user imagining children could attempt to jump off one of the trunks and get seriously injured as a result.
One user even went so far as to describe the poles as a 'scar for life' that was just waiting to happen!
There were also several jokes made at the expense of the local council, with one person writing that the poles could be used to 'impale heretics alive' and another suggesting they'd be 'pee attractors' for pet dogs.
The City of Canterbury Bankstown Council has been contacted for comment, but no response has been received as of this writing.
So, members, what do you think is the purpose of this new playground equipment? Do you think it's a good idea? Let us know in the comments below!
Gone are the days when all you could find was one squeaky swing and a metal slide that got so hot in the summer, it always burnt your legs!
Nowadays, public parks and playgrounds are more like amusement parks, with fancy flying foxes, multi-story climbing gyms and sensory stations for kids to enjoy.
However, not everyone is happy about this change – as evidenced by the recent uproar over a new piece of equipment installed in a NSW public park.
A strange new addition to a playground in Sydney has sparked discussion on a forum website. Credit: Reddit/buckleup2000.
Taking to Reddit, a local in the western Sydney area of Canterbury Bankstown shared their confusion, posting a picture of what appears to just be three wooden pillars stuck in the ground.
'This appeared in the playground in my local area,' they wrote. 'What is it for? And is it a good swap for swings? The redesign of the playground is now complete, so it's not something half done.'
People were quick to speculate as to what the poles might actually be used for, with some suggesting that they actually serve a very important purpose.
'Whenever you see random things like this that don't seem to do anything in a playground, they're for "creative play",' commented one user. 'Kids can hit them, climb them, hide behind them, run around them, whatever. Doesn't matter.'
'The idea is that if everything in the playground has a set way that you're supposed to engage with it, kids are then limited in how they can use their imaginations. Random stuff gives them a chance to do whatever without an adult being able to say they're doing it wrong.'
Another person agreed and shared: 'I remember as a kid, sometimes you just wanted a solid post or a wall you could throw balls at, use as a cricket stump etc. I definitely support this.'
Some have voiced concerns that the wooden pillars pose a risk to children who may attempt to climb or jump on them. Credit: Pexels/Antonius Ferret.
However, others raised concerns over the potential safety risks caused by the upright logs, with one user imagining children could attempt to jump off one of the trunks and get seriously injured as a result.
One user even went so far as to describe the poles as a 'scar for life' that was just waiting to happen!
There were also several jokes made at the expense of the local council, with one person writing that the poles could be used to 'impale heretics alive' and another suggesting they'd be 'pee attractors' for pet dogs.
The City of Canterbury Bankstown Council has been contacted for comment, but no response has been received as of this writing.
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) ones that kids could climb up and on and over... and now put in 3 'stumps'.... what kind of play does that inspire???
