While we did talk briefly about playgrounds in Paris during class, I thought it was a very interesting topic and wanted to analyze it. I have only seen a few playgrounds here and there, but I was pretty surprised about some of their placement. A few of us went to Denfert-Rochereau for dinner a couple of nights ago, and I noticed a playground on the way back that was in the middle of an area that was full of restaurants and shops. I thought this was interesting since most playgrounds I see are in big parks or more secluded areas. However, they arranged it so that there was still space for kids to run around and it was blocked off so they were able to be away from nearby traffic. And they planted plenty of trees and bushes so it wasn’t just all depressing concrete. While it did seem a bit out of place, it was arranged in a way that made sense and was safe (I do not have a picture of this playground, unfortunately. I guess you have to your imagination…).
As for the Jardin du Luxembourg, I was surprised by how elaborate it was, but how simple the concepts were. To be more specific, I thought the game with the mini sailboats and the poles was genius, because sometimes kids just need a stick and they’re set for life. It was a way to entertain kids and encourage them to go outside without having to spend a bunch of money or resources. I just think the way that we orient cities in America is so car-based that it becomes an unsafe environment for kids, so it is hard to make a nearby park without having cars cut through it (since thats America’s main mode of transportation), thus eliminating kids space to just run around. I live nearby a park, and while there are small hiking trails, it is not very “kid-friendly” just because of the lack of green space and activities. Unless some kid out there really likes picnic tables, for some reason, then that park is perfect for them.
As for the Jardin du Luxembourg playground, that must be heaven on Earth for kids. They have a carousel, a bendy slide, swings, and so much more. I appreciate that they made the playground equipment safer for kids, although they still have to go through the fiery pits of hell aka the metal tube slide on a hot summer day. But in all seriousness, it is nice that the playground is in a section of the park that is more kid-friendly, while quieter spots are available for those who do not want to hear screaming children. And there is plenty of seating for the parents, as well as an area to stow away your bikes. Also, it helps that the garden is next to the RER station, as well as a road, so that people have multiple ways of getting there. And because of all the different playground equipment, and the open space, it gives kids some variety and could be great for kids who are more social or kids who want more time to themselves. All of this accessibility helps create a sense of community and just makes it a nice place that people would want to go back to. Also?? The playground has an entire zip-line??? Are you kidding me???????
And sometimes you don’t even need a playground, some kids are more than happy to just chase pigeons for like 20 minutes like this kid. No thoughts, just vibes.