It finally happened: a functioning giant stride has been found on an active playground. Raina Regan, fellow preservationist, found this giant stride in Winamac City Park in Winamac, Indiana.
According to Raina, the park dates to at least 1923, if not earlier. And the giant stride proved to be quite the strain on arm muscles, but many kids were using it. Hooray! Check out these photographs, all taken by Raina.
A giant stride in Winamac City Park, Winamac, IN. Photo courtesy of Raina Regan.
Looking up towards the rotating cap. This is remarkably intact. Photo courtesy of Raina Regan.
Close up of the giant stride ladders (chains and handles). Photo courtesy of Raina Regan.
A beauty. The giant stride. Photo courtesy of Raina Regan.
This giant stride is similar to the 1926 US patent, though as is the case for many, it is not exact. I’d be interested to see if there are identifying marks as to the manufacturing company and what other details can date this apparatus. Obviously, Winamac City Park is now on my list of places to visit in life.
If you come across more in your travels, I’d be delighted to hear about it and to see photographs!
If you love playgrounds, check out the Preservation Nation blog for my intro to the summer playground series.
Preservation in Pink 