Glenwood Children's Park

I have it on my list to read, but haven't yet read "Last Child in the Woods", a book about how structured time, structured play, and manicured yards are robbing our children of the intrigue, mystery and freedom of the outdoors. Many comments about the book have been that it is just depressing, but true.

Today I thought of the book as the boys explored a new-to-them park with their neighbor (who was thrilled to be the guide, even if I was playing along more than they were). There is a play structure nestled in the woods just steps off of the main bike path that goes through our neighborhood (and connects to the city loop). Until today, we hadn't ventured away from the swings, slide and teeter-totter. I didn't even realize the Glenwood Children's Park existed beyond the play structure last summer because the leaves were so thick by the time we were living in Madison, it couldn't be seen. But this winter I noticed the deep ravine had trails running through it and a small gorge with short but climbable cliffs. There is a ring of rocks and a fire pit. So when Dietrich asked to go down the ravine, I was more than happy to explore it. They climbed the steep drop off with the help of tree roots, found sticks to arrange, carved in sandstone, and challenged each other to climb up a steeper part of the ravine. At one point, Elliott couldn't find a hand hold and slid down, his belly exposed over the dirt. But he didn't mind. He just found a different route and went back at it. As we rode back home with our neighbors on the rush-hour traffic bike path, I felt as if we'd been gone hours, but it was only about 30 minutes. I felt that we had traveled far, but it was a short ride back home. Mostly though, I felt grateful that somebody had the vision when the neighborhood was created a hundred years ago to reserve this space for children to explore. There are no signs telling what you can or cannot do; no fences keeping kids "safe" from the rocks and steep banks. There is just the feeling of freedom. Their socks may never look the same, but I have a feeling there will be many pairs marked by the Children' Park.