Here’s an idea that we can all get behind. It’s called SPark Buffalo, and it’s meant to get the wheels in motion for micro parks for the kids. Thus far, we have seen pop-up parks for kids, dog parks, people parks, micro parks for skateboarding, wind sculpture parks… the list goes on. Then we have playgrounds where kids go to have fun and let off some steam. There are those who feel that there is still something missing though. An outdoor experience for kids that other cities have begun to roll out, but as of yet there has been no concentration of movement.
There is a train of thought that city neighborhoods should be dotted with parks dedicated to kids – places where they can play year round. I’m not just talking about a sledding hill, or an ordinary playground (although those are nice too), I’m talking about inspirational gathering places, where children are immersed into thoughtful interactive surroundings that challenge their senses and allow them to expand their minds and abilities.
Some ideas that have come to pass include children’s gardens, a temporary snow maze park, a reclaimed play objects park… any type of park that lets a child’s imagination run wild. The people behind the SPark movement have already sent a child emissary to City Hall to (what a great move) in order to plea their movement. Getting Common Council onboard is important, as well as identifying potential funds, locating appropriate sites, researching ideas and resources, sustainability aspects, and garnering community support.
Currently SPark Buffalo is rallying people to join together to support the initiative on Facebook. This is also where they are sharing discussions on various parks of interest around the world. If you’ve got kids and you want to see some more, creative options for them, then “Like” the group and share some thought and ideas. Hopefully some of those ideas will one day come to fruition. Power in numbers is usually a good place to start, where these types of movements are concerned.