When I read outdoors was the Jansen Photo Challenge this week, I thought of grand, panoramic vistas and the delicate details of wildflowers.  But in the back of my head I heard Mom’s voice, “Go play outside.”   My childhood home had a swing set in the backyard and an entire school playground across the street.  With camera in hand, I headed to a local playground this morning.

The simple, straight lines of the monkey bars of yesteryear have been replaced with a curved span of triangles.

Monkey Bars.  Photo: TLClark, 7/4/19.

The long metal slides of my childhood are long gone.  Tubes and curly-queues are more the norm today.

Slides.  Photo: TLClark, 7/4/19.

The merry-go-rounds of my youth were definitely not this safe!  Nor did they need dad to make them go round.  We’d all push, running as fast we could before jumping on.  (Thanks to this dad and son for allowing my to take a few pictures.)

Round and Round We Go.  Photo: TLClark, 7/4/19.

Of all the playground equipment, swing sets have changed the least over the years.

Receding Swings.  Photo: TLClark, 7/4/19.

It’s no longer hard ground or gravel below the swings; spongy mats making falling off a bit less painful.

Single File Swings.  Photo: TLClark, 7/4/19.

As far as I could see, there are no teeter-totters on this playground.  Have they disappeared completely?

Hoping you get to go outdoors today!