“Football run.” Photo. tsullsworld.blogspot.com 10 Jan. 2012One of the greatest aspects of living in the suburbs was always the opportunity to strike up mid afternoon games of football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, or a number of games that made up. Living on the city edge, we were fortunate enough to have nearly an acre of property located in the confines of a safe neighborhood. I was privileged to grow up alongside many neighbors that I now consider to be close friends. Back then we never needed to call each other; we could just walk door to door and get enough players for the game of choice. Our yard not only helped children congregate but it also helped increase the bond I have with my father. We were constantly throwing the football in the fall or ice skating on our home made rink in the winter. On dark, clear nights we would grab the family and a blanket and be able to track the satellites across the sky. Although I have many fond memories of living in that house, the yard is what made it feel like home.
dan, do you think that the same effect would occur if people had smaller yards, but larger community green space. sort of a "new urbanism" attitude to prevent less sprawl but also encourage greater community? or do you think that having a large, privately owned yard is more important?
ReplyDeleteDan, do you think that the generations younger than us have an appreciate for the yard anymore? I have found that a larger gaming population is booming and the imagination, athletics and 'having to be called in because it is too dark outside' is slowing disappearing. Do you think this trend will continue? Does the fact that most developments going up have minimal space between them (10') deter children from the 'childhood' they could have?
ReplyDeleteRegarding community green space, I immediately thought of the success of Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia. It is a large, beautiful park with trails, a dog park, and even a restaurant with outdoor space on one end. It is located in the middle of midtown where real estate and green space is limited, obviously. I look forward to learning more about the "new urbanism" attitude in context of suburbs. As mentioned, children typical play a large role as suburban inhabitants, as does safety. I'm not sure if community green space would be viewed as open, inviting, and safe as compared to private lawns when it comes to kids gathering outside these days. I feel urban green spaces, like Piedmont or Central park, are especially successful for adults, but kids gathering on their own in a public place is another consideration. I find it interesting that kids today sign onto the Xbox or Playstation to 'see who is playing' football and interact that way. I'm sure it makes ending 'playtime' more difficult because they aren't being 'called in because it is too dark'!
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