Socialist Playgrounds
By Tammy Derouin
I went on a little road trip this past weekend and stopped at a state park up north. As I enjoyed the view of Lake Michigan and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, I spotted a lost treasure in my rear view mirror; a playground slide from another time.
It wasn’t colorful, nor was it made of durable plastic or bubble wrapped for your safety. Unlike today’s socialist playgrounds, it begged you to climb and play at your own risk. It was designed and built to last. If you respected it, it provided you with many years of fun. If you abused it, it could be unforgiving as you learned valuable lessons.
There was a time when all playground equipment was not meant for everyone, at every age. You had to start on the small equipment and work your way up. Up was an understatement. Those steal steps went straight to the sky! It seemed like such a long climb but, what a reward when you finally got to the top.
Once you got there, heart racing and legs slightly wobbly, you could see the whole playground. It was a wonderful view. If you realized you weren’t ready, you had to retreat back down the steps. Of course, that would upset everyone who was behind you, but that’s how you learn. No one was at the top to hold your hand or to give you a free pass. It was all you. The desire to be successful pushed you to not give up. You would continue to try until you could take that final step, get into position and reap the sweet rewards of success on the ride down.
For those of us who remember the thrill of the old playground slide, we know two things. First, the slide was fast. It was meant to thrill. If you felt the need to stop, you had to stop yourself. Second, the sun is hot so the slide is hot. If wearing shorts, well, it didn’t take long to figure it out.
Today’s playground equipment is a good example of what is happening to us as a whole......
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