Swings Tampa Bay!
By Meg Rosker
I’m going to come right out and say that this is one of my favorite organizations…ever. Sure, I may be biased, since we used to live in Tampa and I met the founders when I was out one day with my kids, and I also really like to swing. But seriously, this is one of the most innovative, playful ideas I have seen in a long time. Swings Tampa Bay places swings randomly throughout the city, encouraging kids and grown-ups to take a break from the day, enjoy the breeze in their hair and just swing. Volunteers sneak out after dark and go about hanging swings from trees all over town. The next morning, voila! New swings, in new places.
To make it even more playful, Swings Tampa Bay set up booths at farmers markets and street fairs throughout the city where everyone can help paint the simple wood swings provided. My son and daughter had the pleasure of painting one a few months ago. I wonder where their swing hangs now?
As well as hanging hand-painted swings, the organization has taken to placing random buckets of sidewalk chalk around the city to inspire people to draw a doodle on their way to work or stop and wish passers by a cheerful greeting.
Gosh, what next? Lemonade stands and free smiley face stickers handed out by volunteers? I’m gettin’ inspired!
Tampa, FL has been blessed with the spark and imagination of Swings Tampa Bay. Head over to their site to support them, learn their story and investigate how you can bring swings to your city!
(Photo Credit: Rian Castillo)
