The History of the Moonwalk
Bouncing Into History
What is a Moonwalk?
A moonwalk, also known by the name of bounce house, is an inflatable and enclosed structure that allows people to jump upon pillows of air. They usually tend to be constructed of a vinyl, nylon or PVC-type material. These structures are inflated by the use of a petrol or electric-powered blower that is attached at the bottom or sides. By providing a constant flow of air throughout the moonwalk that slowly leaks without deflating, hours of bouncing fun are possible. Moonwalks are very popular at events for children and families. A number of companies offer rental services in which a variety of moonwalks can be rented for everything from birthday parties to grand openings.
The Earliest Invention
While experimenting with the concept of an inflatable cover for tennis courts one day, inventor John Scurlock noticed just how much his employees enjoyed bouncing upon the inflated covers. A pioneer in the realm of inflatable devices, John Scurlock was known for the creation of the inflatable safety cushion, used by rescue professionals. These safety cushions were used to help break the fall of people jumping from extreme heights or buildings in rescue situations. In addition to creating the safety cushion, John Scurlock also created inflatable signs, domes and even tents. A physics enthusiast, Scurlock put his idea on paper with the design of what would become the first moonwalk in 1959 in the town of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Manufacturing the Moonwalk
In its earliest days, the moonwalk was originally manufactured via a rented warehouse in New Orleans. Louisiana. Splitting its time between manufacturing moonwalks and horse pads, the warehouse soon began turning out moonwalks to be used in the expanded rental operation manned by Francis Scurlock, John’s wife.
The Inflatable Rental Service
After the founding of the first inflatable rental company in 1968, the inflatable rental business began to expand. The company built a custom, dedicated facility to the production and rental of inflatable moonwalks in 1976. These initial prototypes did not have the customary enclosures that are typical of moonwalks today. This led to concern about the safety of the moonwalks for those who could lose control of their bodies while bouncing on the large pads.
A Family Business
Frank Scurlock, the son of John and Francis Scurlock, contributed to the family legacy of inflatable rentals by added the brand names “Space Walk” and “Inflatable Zoo.” He also built the first indoor inflatable park in Metairie, Louisiana in 1986. Called the Fun Factory, another facility called the Fun Plex was opened in Memphis, Tennessee in 1987. Over time, moonwalks were adapted to facilitate water usage for water slides and other fun water-based tunnels. The Aqua Tunnel was the first inflatable of its type to be marketed as an inflatable water slide.
Peter Wendt is a writer from Austin, Texas. He has always been an avid fan of moonwalks and rents one every year for his family reunion. If you share this passion for fun and entertainment, you can find Austin moonwalk rentals here!