in 1956 the Rocket slide is delivered to Roswell NM
From the 1950s until the late 1970s, similar slides were widely used.
In the Early 1950’s, the Cold War was fully entrenched and the Space Race rivalry between the US and the USSR was well-established. Space themed playground equipment began to appear.
As an incentive to grow a child’s perspective about the space topic, rocket slides were on the rise, encouraging children's curiosity and excitement about the Space Race.
NO. 1098 Space Rocket
U.S. Patent No 221,393
The Original Description as follows:
"Here’s a mighty 26-foot high, three level rocket, the tallest of all Game Time slide and climber combinations. Three platforms are spaced six feet apart and completely enclosed by an outer structure of 1 ¼’ O.D. zinc-grip steel pipe to help prevent falls. Manhole hatches to each platform are staggered so that no climbing area is of more than 6-foot height. A giant 20- foot long stainless stell, one-piece bedway mounts at the 10-foot level second stage, and the steel tubing outer structure means kids must be seated before exiting on the rocket’s slide.”
*the National Consumer testing Institute, Inc.. certified the Game Time product as compliant with safety standards developed for recreational equipment of the day
And it became the beloved playground highlight in the peppermint public park for over 6 decades
The 26-foot rocket-themed slide spent decades at Peppermint Park
It was the upgraded version Having 3 levels rather than 2
With features boasting of:
- Inner ladder handrail surrounds manhole hatch on the 3rd stage of rocket for added protection against falls
- Drive-in end caps for 1 ¼ inch tubing and 2 ¾ “ pipe of outer structure to eliminate sharp edges
- dimpled surface on entrance ladder steps for greater traction
- small diameter inner ladder construction of 1 ¼ “ galvanized pipe with 1” O.D. zinc grip rungs for sure grip when climbing
- Ground Space: 12’x 25’
From the 1950s until the late 1970s, similar slides were widely used.
Spring River Zoo Roswell NM, (aka Peppermint Park) was home to one of the last of ten surviving, since production of them ceased in the 1980s.
Designed with the intent to energize children's enthusiasm about rocketry and space travel, the Roswell Rocket Slide didn't disappoint. From the installation in 1956 to its retirement in 2018… The Roswell Rocket slide proved to bring over 60 years of laughter, joy, sentiment and memories of launching into the sky that will live on forever.
photo courtesy of
Resurrecting a Community and Historical Icon