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  Playspace Builder Support Network  Building Playspaces  Swing vs No swi...
 Swing vs No swing?
 
imgOfflinewolteam
20 posts
5th
Joined
1/4/2007
Swing vs No swing?
Posted: 05 Jul 07 3:58 PM Modified By wolteam on 7/5/2007 3:59:03 PM)
I'm a little bit torn regarding whether or not to have a swing or not. Our child drew many pictures with slides but our vendor thinks it could cause us not to use all of our space effectively. What do you think? Should we add it later if space allows? I enjoyed the swings when I was younger and even now.

Thanks for your response
imgOfflinenrosenthal
139 posts
2nd
Joined
11/8/2006


Re: Swing vs No swing?
Posted: 05 Jul 07 4:12 PM
Swings do take up a lot of room (the use zone for swings is two times the height of the swing, in most cases 16 feet on either side), however, if that is what your children want, it may be a good thing to have.  If you have more room and can add some more space, even 5-10 feet would make a big difference. Clearly, this would add a bit to your surfacing costs as well as your border costs if you are using engineered wood fiber. If money and space are tight, it may be more worthwhile to hold off on the swings for now, but I always prefer to listen to the children because, after all, they are going to be the ones playing on the equipment day in and day out.
imgOfflinewolteam
20 posts
5th
Joined
1/4/2007
Re: Swing vs No swing?
Posted: 05 Jul 07 5:24 PM Modified By wolteam on 7/5/2007 5:25:49 PM)
Thanks for your response. I will definitely take into consideration our space limitations and our kids preferences before we make our final decision.
imgOfflinerandi
36 posts
5th
Joined
1/23/2007


Re: Swing vs No swing?
Posted: 05 Jul 07 5:45 PM
I've been doing a tour of our local parks and the one thing every kid seems to want is more..or any...swings.  I know they take up lots of room and they aren't a park or rec department favorite because you can get so much more in, but, they are universally loved.  And, they are the easiest piece of equipment to install in a playground that can be universal equipment.  Kids in chairs love having them (and think what a thrill it would be to be no longer chairbound) and kids who are physically able don't mind using the "special" swings.  I say plan for them.  I'm guessing that many kids aren't drawing swings because they never see them.  Based on the large core muscles needed to operate a swing, and the fact that they are experiencing spatial activities in a completely different way than any other piece of equipment, they are worth it.  And, what kid doesn't want to pretend to fly?
imgOfflinecekleinfelter
30 posts
www.kaboom.org/woodlands
5th
Joined
11/8/2006
Re: Swing vs No swing?
Posted: 08 Jul 07 11:37 PM

I'm not sure where you are building - city, school, county, but in our school district, swings are not allowed because of the danger in children getting hurt.

If there are local ordinances to consult, check there first to be sure you can have them.

Good luck!
imgOfflineCarrie
9 posts
Joined
1/25/2007
Re: Swing vs No swing?
Posted: 06 Sep 07 12:22 AM
Our town is going the route of no swings too. Which is sad is b/c the kids do love them. We were able to keep them because we had an adapted swing for a specific child with special needs
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