When Curtis Stoddard was 5, he climbed above the top beam on the playground swing.
When he slipped, a protruding bolt stuck into his thigh. His mom had a tough time freeing him to go to the ER. Stoddard grew up to become a playground contractor. Equipment is safer today, but to further emphasize the importance of safety he created the character of SLYDE® the Playground Hound. He modeled SLYDE® on Smokey the Bear, in hopes he would become a similar safety icon. SLYDE® says:
SLYDE® the Playground Hound helped collect food for the Ashton Community Pantry during the Halloween Treat the Trunk event. Nicole Stoddard photo.
