I glanced up from the page just in time to see a little boy fall off one of the equipment's hanging bars and land flat on his back on the bark chips. There was silence for a few seconds and then I could hear his cries. His young father quickly gathered him up, hugged him for a bit and walked with him back to the bench along the side. I could not hear any conversation between the adventurous little guy and his parents…..but after a few minutes he was back exploring.
This is a playground designed for the younger set. There are colorful slides, some ladders, a bridge to cross….nothing too challenging, but perfect for the pre-school set. After about age five or six they probably prefer the big kid playground up on the bluff. It's a safe place….there are no swings, there are bark chips to cushion any falls, plenty of places for adults to sit and supervise. It's an adventure setting for safety minded families in 2015. Our playgrounds were a bit "rougher" growing up….with asphalt "cushions".
But this is a fun place to watch….little ones broaden their horizons, test their muscles, build their skills. Try new things, make a quick friend, chase each other and laugh going down the slide.
As I said, I couldn't hear the conversation, but I hope the little boy's parents were encouraging…saying things like "Wow…you were really hanging on tight to that bar!" "We're glad you tried!" "It's OK…everyone falls sometimes. You can try again."
It must have been something along those lines because, once again, he went back. Go little guy….go. There will be many stumbles in life….this wasn't your first and won't be the last. But you can do it.
Wonder why, looking back at the book on my lap, I suddenly had a lump in my throat and my eyes felt moist. Memories of supervising little ones who no longer need my supervision I guess….now they are all big ones!
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