Click here to subscribe today or Login.
Would it be a good idea to …
… make our communities more playful?
“Playful” typically isn’t the first word used to describe Northeastern Pennsylvania’s cities and boroughs, often considered to be hardscrabble places – calloused and scarred like a coal miner’s hands. So adding light-hearted touches to our public spaces might be good for our region’s image.
Of more importance, injecting more fun and whimsy into our lives can lighten moods, providing health and social benefits, say the proponents of playful communities. Much of their focus involves providing children with safe civic spaces in which to exercise, laugh and leave behind mind-numbing online games and TV shows.
For example, the national initiative known as KaBOOM! strives to make playgrounds accessible to all children, especially those living in poverty.
The group has helped to refurbish or build playgrounds in Bear Creek Township, Factoryville and Wilkes-Barre. And it annually recognizes cities that act creatively or boldly to bring more opportunities to kids, designating those places as “Playful City USA communities.”
A few years ago, a partnership called CommunityMatters promoted “75 Seriously Fun Ways to Make Your Town More Playful.” Ideas ranged from events such as public play days and playground tours, to grander design changes. Among them: “Rethink the public library as a place for play,” “transform bus stops into swing sets,” and “add color to crosswalks.” Online links supplied specifics on each suggestion, including this one: “Turn a parking lane into a minigolf course.”
Don’t mistake this as pure frivolity; there’s a purpose behind it. The website of OhHeckYeah, which bills itself as a “public benefit corporation,” makes the point succinctly: “Studies continually show that play of any kind makes us more creative, curious and happy. It even contributes to helping build trust between strangers.”
If you are intrigued by the playful communities concept, read the book “Playborhood: Turn Your Neighborhood Into a Place for Play.” (Not on Monday, however. It’s the first day of summer; go outside and play!)
Do you think the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region needs a bigger dose of playfulness? Might its introduction within our towns help to bring together people of varied ages, ethnicities and backgrounds?
Or does the entire notion of playful communities make you want to shut down – the playground equivalent of taking your ball and going home?
Give us your feedback by sending a letter to the editor or posting comments to this editorial at timesleader.com.
Likewise, tell us your ideas for improving the community and making area residents’ lives better. Maybe we’ll spotlight your suggestion in a future editorial and ask readers, “Would it be a good idea to …”