[ksab]

This playground was an annual end of the school year field trip starting in grade 1.

It had a diverse range of activities and catered to children of different ages, abilities and confidence.

The playground had staff (so it wasn’t complete chaos at the most popular spots) but they definitely had a laissez-faire attitude and let the kids do pretty much anything.

Our teachers would ‘supervise’ but it was so large without clear sight lines that I can remember them staying mostly by the front entrance to prevent us from leaving and helping us find our shoes as we were leaving.

Minor injuries were expected (there was a first aid tent). I definitely fell down, scraped my knees and got soaking wet. Over the years, my classmates had some more serious injuries (including a broken arm, lost tooth and stitches). Despite the injuries my school still let us go back the following year...

Getting a place like this built again would be impossible given liability.

Also, schools are allergic to anything involving minor injuries, water and places where all kids can’t be seen.