Hobbies And Interests
Function
Jungle gyms are structures made from a variety of materials, such as wood, rope, steel and sometimes cement. They appeal to the natural climbing instinct that small children have, and combine exercise and play into one activity. Jungle gyms can be found on playgrounds and in parks, in schoolyards and backyards. Invented in 1920 by patent lawyer Sebastian Hinton for his wife's preschool, the jungle gym has appeared in several different configurations, from a simple horizontal ladder from which children can swing like Tarzan the Ape Man, to intricate three-story villages that can cover 1,800 square feet.
Features
Every jungle gym must be able to be climbed upon, and that's where the standard issue ends. A jungle gym can be equipped with any number of straight or twisted tube slides, saddle and tire swings, fire poles and ladders---rope, metal and wooden, swinging ropes, forts and huts---as long as it can be imagined, it can be built into a jungle gym. Typically, materials are sturdy and safe for children to climb on, and sharp edges are avoided.
Types
Backyard jungle gyms are usually made of treated wood, and typically include 1-2 swings, something to climb upon and a slide. Depending on space on budget, it can also include a fort or shelter, a climbing wall, trapeze, gym rings, horse glider---some even have ship steering wheels and lookout towers. Schoolyard jungle gyms are most often made of steel for durability's sake, and are typically less intricate in their features and accessories. Schoolyard jungle gyms need to be unfailingly safe and extremely durable. Private preschools usually have small, wooden jungle gyms similar to backyard styles, and both intricate wooden villages and more basic metal construction can be found in public parks, depending on the neighborhood demographics and funding.
Cost
Jungle gyms prices range from $200-$10,000. Factor in, too, the cost of delivery, possible assembly help you might need, and the preparation of the surface where the jungle gym will sit. Also to be considered in the cost is the amount of safety material you'll need surrounding the play set, such as wood chips, ground up rubber tires, or pea gravel.
Considerations
The age of the children who will be using the jungle gym, the surrounding space and budget are all considerations when looking at jungle gyms. Assembly is almost always required, so consider the difficulty of putting it all together as well. It has to be put together properly to be safe. And follow manufacturer suggestions for the ground material surrounding the structure---it has to be the right stuff to help prevent injuries from the inevitable fall.