There was an article on theage.com.au today titled ‘Design trend takes child’s play out of backyards‘ … I had a quick read and had the thought that my own parents’ backyard is not the kid-friendly place it was. There is no micro-field of grass to safely fall down in, or trees to climb. Not anymore.
About my mid-teens the backyard turned into a entertaining area, with lilydale topping and a big red paved area that you sometimes have to be careful not to trip over when crossing its borders. Fair enough, as a teenI rarely had friends over and played chasey or climbed trees anymore, but still…
When looking at houses (that I could even concievably be close to affording) the bulk of them only have a small, small outdoor area that may house a washing line (not even a Hills Hoist), and maybe a BBQ and outdoor setting. I wonder if my kids, will ever know the fun of playing with their best mate around and up a tree, or chasing the dog around the backyard. I suppose I’ll have to move further to the city fringes to have a hope of that.
