Bouncing Through Granger: The Trampoline Jumphouse of the 1960s)

Bouncing into History: Granger’s Trampoline Jumphouse

In the early 1960s, Granger residents discovered a new craze that literally had them jumping for joy—the Trampoline Jumphouse, operated by Hagerharst’s. Located in the heart of the community, the center offered a unique way for children, teens, and families to enjoy hours of fun, exercise, and friendly competition.

The Granger Jumphouse was one of 19 trampoline centers in the Salt Lake Valley at the time, and part of a national trend that had started on the West Coast just a year prior. Visitors paid a small fee—typically 40 cents for a half-hour—to leap on trampolines carefully suspended over dug-in pits. This design not only added excitement but also provided a critical safety measure, eliminating the need for elevated platforms and cushioning the impact for jumpers. Additional padding around the trampoline frames further ensured safety, and trained staff supervised the activity to minimize accidents.

The center became a hub of local activity. Families flocked to the Jumphouse not only for entertainment but also for physical fitness. Rebound tumbling, as it was officially called, offered a surprising workout: jumpers could burn calories, relieve stress, and even improve their coordination. Tom Robinson, one trampoline operator in the area, noted that some enthusiasts even lost inches off their waistlines thanks to consistent jumping.

The Granger Jumphouse was also a social gathering spot. It was common to see entire families arrive together, sometimes 20 or more people, and spend hours bouncing and performing basic somersaults. Children competed against one another, friends met up to play games, and young athletes honed skills that could lead to intercenter trampoline competitions organized by the Utah State Trampoline Association, which was formed to promote the sport statewide.

Though the trampoline craze could be described as a fad, it left a lasting impression on the community. Local kids remember the thrill of jumping over the pits, the laughter of cousins and friends, and the simple joy of a new kind of play. For many in Granger, Hagerharst’s Trampoline Jumphouse was more than just a business—it was a memorable part of childhood and community life in the early 1960s.