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Video: Close Encounters Above Central Park?
Way back when, Gothamist had a favorite playground. Well, we had many favorite playgrounds, but there was one that always made our heart jump: the Ancient Playground. Anytime that the family would head up to get some "culture" at the Metropolitan Museum we inisisted that a trip to the playground just to the north be a part of the package. And we know we weren't alone. What kid didn't love crawling through sandy tunnels and over tactile brick pyramids? Whereas most playgrounds nowadays, and then even, are pretty similar and plastic we've never seen another playground quite like the Ancient one. Though it isn't all that ancient - it was built in 1972.
So excuse us if we were a little alarmed to read in today's paper that the Central Park Conservancy is trying to bring the playground up to "safety standards," possibly by covering the pyramids with "less abrasive materials." Uhm, what? Retouch the brickwork, sure it probably needs it, and maybe you sand down the concrete structures as they are a bit abrasive, but people, please, pyramids have been made of brick for a few thousand years already so why stop now?
While we understand the concern of some parents that these sandy, scratchy structures can leave some kids in need of a few small band-aids, we always thought that was part of the charm. Kids have been getting scratched up playing forever, and most of them turned out OK. In fact, that used to be a big part of what childhood was about.
Plus, without the pyramids how else are parents going to persuade their kids to schlep to the Met with them? Well, besides the promise of mummies, suits of armor, ancient instruments, beautiful paintings, amazing sculptures, not to mention the temple of Dendur... but still.
Woof, woof, woof, woof, woof, woof by Yoga Chickie on flickr.
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Oh, come on - at least take a close look at the plans before you poo-poo them. All they want to do, according to you, is make the place a little more child-friendly and, I think if you had kids, you might think that was a good idea. I'm sure if the materials there were a little more forgiving than brick and concrete, more kids would use the structures. Y'know, for a bunch of young, hip urbanites, Gothamist has a published record of being pretty regressive when it comes to civic improvements. Change can be good.
As an Upper East Sider, I spent countless summer days as a youngster chasing my friends and being chased around the park. It was one of the most unique ones. Also, we were fans of playing tag/freeze tag at 91st & York (in front of the Asphalt Green pool). I agree kids need to experience some growing pains. They'll be better people for it- I hope.
what the hell is that dog wearing?
The kids growing up today will be total wussies as adults, completely insulated as they are from any danger and/or peanuts and allergies. Weaklings, I tell you. Weakings.
While I understand that you're concerned for the state of a childhood haunt - which I hope remains - saying that you had a better upbringing because you played on asphalt or had a steel jungle gym is, frankly, pretty specious. People have always been saying that "kids have it easy these days" and has never once made sense. Why shouldn't we offer our children all the protection we can? I still have a little pain in my hand from a playground fracture that could have been prevented if we were playing on grass like sane people - it doesn't make me a better person by any means and I would glady trade the injury in for a fracture-free childhood. Anyways, I guarentee you, no matter how much foam rubber we lay down, kids will always find a way to collect bumps and bruises - they're surprisingly inventive, you know.
I wonder if any real number of complaints have been made about the condition of the playground? All I can remember about those pyramids is that someone often thought it was funny to leave feces in the center, so I associate that smell and that playground. Who cares what happens?
Those kids need more open fields, more sticks to hit eachother with, and more rocks to throw at the other ones!
When I was a kid, we played over asphalt. Now my son plays over synthetic, cushy, foam ground coverings. What next? Bubble it in?
I agree we should do whatever we can to enhance our children's safety, but at the same time, we need to draw the line at sterilizing every experience. Kids need to experience things for themselves, including (reasonable) pain, bumps, bruises and minor injuries. No amount of trying will prevent them from all suffering.
garth,
we totally played in that park together as little sisters without realizing it.
xo
I remeber playing there when I was about 6 and this one kid came out of the tunnel and snapped his head up a bit to fast- whack- I have never seen that much blood before or since- was quite a sight and made for some great stories over ice cream later.
It makes me sick that all these stupid playground designers (I am one them and also a parent by the way) have this 'precious child' syndrome. Kids need to learn boundaries, how to fall, and most important pick themselves dust themselves off and get back to playing. Often times I would see the parents over-coddling the child after they fell.
This place is a great place for exploring and should be left as it is, with a little repointing and resurfacing with asphalt, concrete and sand. All the old playgounds in the country are currently being erased like this.
Hey, I totally agree - if my stupid (but loveable) beagle-bassett mix can withstand the climb up these pyramids, then any healthy child should be able to. So, what are a few bandaids amongst kids? Much as it annoys me when I am dragged by my kids to the Ancient Park, I would be PISSED if they wussed it down.
Lauren