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Home- Swing sets
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The
Invention of Playground Equipment
John Burke, who was an inventor of many
different products, is credited for inventing a much of the playground
equipment that children enjoy today. Although, many of the items found
on playgrounds today are much more high-tech than Mr. Burke's versions,
it was Mr. Burke who was responsible for the origination of this
playground equipment.
It was in his sheet metal plant where Mr. Burke began his venture into
the world of playground equipment. He began by constructing a slide on
which his children could play. This slide was so successful that he
began spending a great deal of his time designing and manufacturing
other types of playground equipment including, seesaws, swings,
carousels and "monkey bars" for swinging and climbing.
In order to help sell their products, Burke and his employees displayed
the playground equipment in its "natural" habitat by bringing the
outdoors inside. They set up a display indoors to resemble the outdoors
with a sidewalk, and grass. This display looked inviting especially
during the cold winter months because people could visualize the warmer
weather in which children would be outdoors playing on this interesting
new playground equipment.
During the warmer months, Burke's company set up a playground outside
the store on which the local children could play. Children were having
so much fun that it inspired parents to invest in some playground
equipment for their own backyards.
During the 1930's playground equipment was designed and engineered as it
had never been before. One such invention was the combination gym set,
or jungle gym. This jungle gym was a premise to what is now known as
modular play equipment.
Burke also invented equipment that could be used during the winter
months such as the toboggan slide that was quite popular.
Burke didn't stop at inventing playground equipment. He also maintained
and repaired the equipment. He was known for his personal style and
attention to detail. These characteristics are what set Burke apart from
other playground equipment manufacturers for years. Customer service and
quality were very important to Burke and his company.
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