Photograph

Calls for reform in the mid-19th century helped spur the growth of urban playgrounds. At this time, many urban children worked in factories. Middle class children might play in or around the home, but the urban poor could only play in the streets, alleys, or vacant lots that might be available. Reformers near the end of the century began to make changes, with official playgrounds, which appeared first in public parks. These permanent facilities were well established by the 1920s, as a 1925 press photo demonstrates. Climbing structures were commonplace, as were wooden slides.