No Swing For You!

The parks system in Buenos Aires is impressive; surprisingly clean and well-maintained. The playgrounds are all standard sand boxes with injury-inducing metal see-saws and monkey bars. Some also have Teague's favorite, the metal drum on chains, perfect for practicing all of that bull riding he does. Normally the playgrounds only have one baby swing and one regular swing which makes for a lot of kiddie turf wars.

Each playground has a paid employee, a sandbox bouncer, who keeps the play area free of garbage and of any babies gone wild situations that may arise. They are all business, carrying a whistle that they're not afraid to blow. Mostly they just run off big kids who are bored or looking for a place to smooch, but they do have to 'bounce' the occasional homeless person who is drawn to the empty benches in the warm sun.

Our first encounter with the bouncers was the day after we arrived in Buenos Aires. We took Teague to a playground near our hotel. We were the only people around, and Sean sat on a swing while Teague played. Suddenly a flash of neon green came running toward us, frantically waving with his arms. Apparently swings in Argentina are for ages 6 and under. Duly noted.

Even though we were initially a bit put off by their Soup Nazi-like attitude, they are great at keeping the playgrounds clean, safe, and most importantly, free of dog messes! Maybe the city should employ sidewalk bouncers, too.

Gearing up for a big bust. Too many big kids in the sand box.



They each have a little blue 'office'. Not to be confused with a porta potty. They have those on site too.


The stylish neon sand box Nazi attire.