Grandpa Herb, or the Tire Swing Man as he prefers to be called, has set about perfecting that staple of the playground - the tire swing. He built a wooden play set for his grandson but when he went to add a swing the prices stopped him in his tracks. So he started experimenting with recycled tires and after a considerable investment of time and creativity he’s come up with a really classic, safe and affordable design worthy of the Junior Society club house. It’s a huge hit in his neighborhood and now it can make your house the most popular on the block when you purchase one from his online shop My Tire Swings!

Each tire is rescued from the landfill, thoroughly cleaned, drilled with holes for drainage and coated inside and out in your choice of twenty (20!) colors with raised white lettering. You can select from mildew resistant braided rope in four color combinations, heavy-duty silver chain, poly-coated chain in four colors or chain encased in green garden hose. There are a variety of mounting systems, you can select a horizontal or vertical format swing and options like handles or an adjustable height platform for added stability. All this for under $75.

And one aspect of Herb’s tire swings that I think is really fantastic is his focus on promoting them as a tool for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. The sensory input of the tire’s spinning motion can be instrumental in the development of balance and equilibrium. It’s clear this Massachusetts grandpa has a good heart and is using his retirement to bring smiles to allot of swingin’ kids.

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