Photo Gallery: Comparing the playgrounds of JFK and Obama with the Canadian Prime Minister’s latest purchase
In this official White House photograph, President Barack Obama plays with daughters Malia and Sasha on the new playground swing-set. on the South Lawn of the White House, March 4, 2009. (Pete Souza/The White House)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently faced criticism over upgrades to his official summer residence at Harrington Lake, including $7,500 reportedly spent on a new play structure. Andrew Scheer, the Conservative leader, suggested in the House of Commons that Trudeau would have been just as well served by a $198 swing set from Canadian Tire. The National Capital Commission—which oversees the property—said Trudeau paid for many upgrades himself, including a new sauna. But Trudeau isn’t the first world leader to make his official residence more friendly for children. U.S. President Barack Obama installed a swing set on the White House’s south lawn as a surprise gift for his two daughters. Here, a few notable examples of the play structures of other first families.