990
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→Modern Developments
==Modern Developments==
As more playgrounds spread in the 1950s-1960s, children safety became an issue once again. This time, the material used, mostly metal (steel), became a concern. Manufacturers of metals had seen playgrounds as an opportunity for business, but the material, if not treated properly, could harm children, such as with sharp edges on slides. Even as new novelty playgrounds continued to be developed, such as imagination playgrounds that had rocket ships and other make-believe ideas incorporated, parents began to clamour for change. Playground equipment soon began to become more rounded in shape, particularly in edges, to avoid bad cuts. Additionally, manufacturers began to experiment and use harder plastics for slides and other equipment such as the monkey bars. Equipment also became more standardized as more parks were created with play areas for children.
Since the 1980s, additions such as new surfaces have become popular, ranging from wood chips, to reused rubber from old tyres. Imaginative playgrounds have become more popular since then, including themes such as jungles or fortresses. Playgrounds, interestingly, once again began to be seen as part of childhood education, although less formal than it was seen in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Mazes and puzzles as part of play were introduced more regularly to get children to be physically involved while also using their minds in activities. Today, in combating childhood obesity, playgrounds are seen as essential elements. Since the 2000s, there has been a resurgence in communities raising funds to build more playgrounds, particularly in more urban areas. Inner city areas, with limited green space, have also developed more space for playgrounds as a way to not only fight off obesity but also keep children active and buys so they do not get involved in harmful activities. Playgrounds have also been created more indoors as well as outdoors.
==Summary==
==References==