Searching for trampolines in Nashville? Welcome to Happy Backyards™! Ever wonder about the history of trampolines? Read on:
The trampoline has become such a mainstay in our list of outdoor activities that it’s hard to imagine that it has been around for less than 100 years! How did this fun piece of equipment make its way to our backyards? We did a little digging to find out.
Most historians agree that the very first “trampolines” originated with the Eskimos as they would use walrus skin to toss each other up in the air for recreation. You may be able to picture this as you’ve probably seen photos and artistic renderings of firemen using sheets to catch people jumping out of high windows to escape a fire. We also know that these primitive “trampolines” showed up in England as a part of comical stage acts.
In the 1930s, the first modern-day trampolines came into existence as the brainchild of George Nissen and Larry Griswold. These two men participated in diving and tumbling acts and noticed that a tightly-pulled safety net could serve as a sport all on its own. In the early 1940s, Nissen traveled to Mexico and first heard the Spanish word ‘trampolin’ meaning diving board. In 1942, Griswold-Nissen Trampoline & Tumbling Company was born and began to commercially produce trampolines in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
During World War 2, the trampoline found its way into Navy flight schools as a method of giving fighter pilots practice in upside-down orientation. It also became a training apparatus for the NASA space flight program to assist in the mental and physical training of astronauts.
The trampoline continued to grow in popularity as a sport throughout this time and the first world championships were held in 1964. In the 1960s it grew to such worldwide appeal that the first safety standards were developed and implemented. Surprisingly, only recently – in 2000 – did the trampoline make its Olympic debut. The trampoline continues to increase in popularity on every continent as more and more people discover its usefulness in fitness and conditioning programs.
If you’re just now discovering all the fun and fitness trampolines in Nashville could add for your family, stop by Happy Backyards™ in Franklin and let us give you a closer look! We carry the best trampolines in Nashville including Jumpsport, Alleyoop and Springfree. Stop in store or visit us online to find out more about trampolines in Nashville!
Happy Backyards™ sells and installs only the safest and highest quality residential playground equipment, basketball goals, and trampolines for your own home. We are a local company and have been doing it for 15 years with a focus on quality products, quality service, and competitive low pricing.