It has me thinking about public space. Since moving in to our place, I've used parks, the library, the pool, the bike path, the restaurants and the river much more. I think common grounds are under-utilized in our lives. Is this connected to the size of our homes? I am reminded of two Latin cultures I've lived in where the homes are much smaller and people outside more. Granted, climate may have something to do with this. But for me--rain, sleet, snow or shine--when the walls start to close in, I treat my town like an extension of my living room. Because I have to.
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| Gracie and Fergus swing while their mamas get some talking done. |
Take the Swings at Little Toots. When mama needs some therapy time, it's time to get in those swings, kiddos. I can't count how many friends I've met, and meaningful conversations I've had while pushing, pushing, pushing.
If it looks like a day when exercise won't happen for me, we treat the stroller like our car and the bike path like our commute. Let's walk to Ace Hardware! Let's walk to Bamboo Market! Let's walk to the post office! In this way we can turn mundane car errands into invigorating treasure hunts. A stop at the park on the way to the hardware store where popcorn is waiting for us is much more fun than a drive in the hot car where I have to literally force the kids into their car seats (not pretty).
So, this is a shout out to all the fantastic public space in our town. Thanks for helping to pay for it, community! My family is so blessed to use it nearly every single day! Hope to see you out there!
I agree! In the summer, it is a rarity that we get in the car to go anywhere! Love this town for that reason!
ReplyDeleteThey call that the third space! Here's a little bit about they guy who coined the term. I learned about it from that book, The great good place.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pps.org/articles/roldenburg/ there's also of course a wikipedia article about the Third Space. The other thing that I think you are not saying in your discussion about space, is the direct correlation to TIME. How much time do you have? Regardless of how much space you have, if you are sprinting from one scheduled activity to another, you don't benefit from your community resources. I think you are time-rich, and that is something worth celebrating at every location (because you actually CAN). Woot!
I agree wholeheartedly! I just bought a house and, while excited about owning the land and having more space (ironic, I know) for child care, I will miss being right on the bike path. "The Loop" walk from our little end of dream island is perfect for so many things... the library, Steamboat Park with a playground, swings, watching the mink in the pond (did you know there is a mink there?), watching the ducks, looking at the bubbly water (sulpher spring), checking our the bird nests under the bridge, the depot art shows, train tracks, nature around the bike path and Stockbridge park... the best loop ever. Who could ask for more in an early childhood adventure. I will miss it. Loved this post! :0) Tracy
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