Why Billings Playgrounds Are Deadly…And Fun

One of the most beloved pieces of playground equipment, the swing set, has now officially been banned in Richland, Washington. This effort to stop Darwinism has actually been going on for a couple of decades in various playgrounds around the country. As aging equipment gets replaced, the swing set is often deemed to be "too dangerous" for children. Not only are the swingers at risk of falling from several feet, but there is also the possibility of a child wandering in front of one of these deadly, kid-powered, wrecking balls.

As a parent, I am happy that we've progressed in some areas. My daughter, for instance, started her car traveling life in a rear-facing car seat and has worked her way up to a booster seat over the past seven years. I on the other hand rode on the center console in my dad's Ford truck, never having heard the click of a seat belt for the first decade of my life. She wears a helmet when she rides her bike; a practice that would have gotten me taunted (if not beaten). Those are the kind of changes I can get behind. Banning iconic playground equipment is not.

I know that I'll never get my precious Lawn Darts back, but I hope Billings Parks and Rec decides to always keep the swings swinging.