Berliner Kinder: Berlin and its 'Playborhoods'

Hazel Borys shares some thoughts on the Berlin experiential park, Kolle 37. Project for Public Spaces does a great job of telling why it works, but Borys goes on to show how the park, like walkable urbanism, helps us become better parents.

"Much of what we’ve written about walkable urbanism and kids is all about resisting the urge to be helicopter parents that raise fragile, teacup children. With the help of a walkable neighborhood, it’s a little easier to experience that letting-go process, with slower cars, more eyes on the street, and a network of people you know and trust. Slowly, we’re letting free-range children happen again."

"In a similar sort of way, Kolle 37 introduces kids to some rather lethal tools – hatchets, fire, hammers, nails – with some coaches close-by to keep the Lord of the Flies away. Within relative safety, the kids have built their own play houses, bake bread in a wood-burning oven, throw some good-looking earthenware at the wheel, grow their own food, and raise some rabbits."

Kolle 37, Berlin. Image credit: Hazel Borys, Creative Commons Sharalike Licensing