It seems the best course is to find a volunteer how's willing to use their best judgement on what is safe and what should go. And if there's that much of a surplus of toys then maybe try donating them from the Tot Lot to some place like Savers.<div>
<br></div><div>Kid's like to use their imagination, so it really doesn't matter what the toys look like, as long as they're not dangerous. Does anyone remember making couch cushion forts? IMHO, space is more important that shiny new toys. I remember as a kid always needing room to spread things out so the could 'setup' for whatever activity... Take away the space and you take away from the fun. That being said, I certainly had more fun watching life grow in my father's garden than I did pushing around some truck. Plant life brings a host of other life forms with it and that many more chances to learn.</div>
<div><br></div><div>Lastly, if I were to take my kid(s) to the Tot Lot, I'd be sure to organize a bit before I left. At the very least, I'd organize what my kid(s) had played with. So, maybe some storage is in order. And small stone instead of mulch that has to be gathered and replaced every year. Or maybe that stuff that's made out of old plastic and tires.... Just a thought.</div>
<div><br clear="all">Regards,<br>Frank M. Pari<br>IT Professional<br><a href="mailto:FPari82@gmail.com" target="_blank">FPari82@gmail.com</a><br>
<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Mon, Sep 24, 2012 at 3:13 PM, Andrew Nosal <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:andy@mapcenter.com" target="_blank">andy@mapcenter.com</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">
My observation is that the park is used by more kids for longer times since the plastic toys came along. Kids playing in the park is a good thing. They seem to like that junk more than the official structure, just as the box can be more fun than the toy that was in it. It cracks me up.<br>
<br>
*** From time immemorial *** kid's most absorbing playtimes have been role playing in forts, houses and play villages improvised from whatever junk and discards they could find. I remember using old car parts, boards with nails sticking out, discarded barrels, etc. So consider it progess that these kids can be happy with this nice safe plastic stuff. I am sure if any of those objects were unsafe a parent would haul it away.<br>
<br>
<br>
On Sep 24, 2012, at 2:27 PM, <<a href="mailto:mdubose1@cox.net" target="_blank">mdubose1@cox.net</a>> <<a href="mailto:mdubose1@cox.net" target="_blank">mdubose1@cox.net</a>> wrote:<br>
<br>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">
Greetings All,<br>
<br>
Greetings Neighbors,<br>
<br>
I've yet to read any compelling reason why those of us who live in the neighborhood should passively sit back and allow our small park to serve as a dumping ground for a bunch of plastic junk. From time immemorial, kids have thrived in fresh, clean and open space without having to rely on broken plastic jeeps and dirty plastic houses. My fear is that as in the past, this stuff will sit and languish throughout the winter only to be joined in the spring with a fresh batch of discarded junk. Is there any room for balance? I would like to propose a gradual yet total purge of the items that are there now. Ideally, everything would be cleared out before the winter months allowing us to usher in spring with a beautiful and fresh clean landscape. Actually, I can't imagine that any effort or campaign to renovate and improve the park wouldn't begin with clearing out all of that stuff. I, along with a couple of neighbors are happy to arrange for the proper disposal of these items if that is a source of concern. As for the toddlers, I'm sure they'll be ok.<br>
<br>
Thanks,<br>
Melissa<br>
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