There is a certain certainty to the allure of restricted access. The adrenalin that races through the system when on the inside of such a barriered section makes for hectic pacing and fun. So when a local council noticed the downturn—rather the apparent lack of use—of one of their made-for playgrounds they chose to do what seemed the most logical thing to do. Erect a green fencing of authority and exclusion in an attempt to bring back the fold.
Of course, the metal bars may be an attempt to bring the wonder and excitement of the caged matches of wrestling into the playgrounds. What better way to deal with bullies of the local schools then to have them placed in a cordoned off plot of grass, sand and swings?
It may even herald the return of the gladitorial times and festivities once embraced by the more Roman of us all. Rabid dogs, salivating at the mere sight of naked flesh, coating it in sunscreen can only do so much. Once the children are in the arena, the unleashing of the hounds begins the wagering.
Still, it could just be the remedy of a bad design of a park. With no actual boundaries—usually marked as such by way of a path or hedging—the frivolities that spill out and onto the bordering roads may end up killing the children.
Written on Thursday, 20 March 2003