The History of Trampolines

George Nissen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was inspired to create the first trampoline after attending the circus in 1930 at the age of 16. He worked on his invention for many years, and on March 6, 1945, he was granted a patent for his “tumbling device.” He later secured a registered trademark on the name “trampoline,” which he derived from the Spanish word for diving board, el trampolín. He even helped create the gymnastic sport of trampolining and was fortunate to live long enough to see it become an Olympic event at the 2000 Olympic Games. In addition to a formal sport, trampolining has now become a popular pastime around the world and many people enjoy backyard trampolines and indoor trampoline parks.