AT the beginning of the month, parents, and grandparents, of young children will have been somewhat relieved to learn that outdoor play areas could begin opening from Saturday July 4. It was recommended of course that strict social distancing should be followed as much as possible and good hygiene practice maintained.

Those parents and grandparents will themselves have been children who would have enjoyed the local playground facilities. So today we look back at local playgrounds in the 1950s and 60s.

Top: The playground off Straight Bit in Flackwell Heath opened in March 1953 and local children wasted no time in using the facilities.

Middle left: Local dignitaries and children are grouped around a roundabout at the opening of the playground in Micklefield, Wycombe Marsh, May 1954.

Middle right: These children are using the roundabout on the playground in the Recreation Ground, Hazlemere, May 1951.

Bottom left: Children have fun on a large rocking-horse in Higginson Park, Marlow, c.1960.

Bottom right: Children pose for the photographer on the steps of the slide of the playground on the Rye, High Wycombe, June 1955