Art and play are complementary energies - one weaves our world, the other inspires us to discover it.
It was the perfect weather for an afternoon stroll. While wandering inside a serene residential neighborhood, I suddenly stumbled upon an interesting spectacle. Although most housing communities have dedicated real estate designed to accommodate parks or playgrounds for their homeowners, this one was quite different.
Concealed by tall shrubs, it was a tiny plot of land whose actual function I was uncertain of. From the street curb, I had the impression that it was still an idle lot under development. But the moment I stepped into its mysterious interior, my actual perspective changed right away.
And lo and behold, I uncovered a hidden playground for kids! “What a nice surprise! Where did you come from?” I pondered while scratching my head.
Despite having only one contraption of swings, slides, climbing gear, including colorful swatches of floor squares (probably a huge board game I wasn’t aware of) beside them, something else transformed this mundane space into an extraordinary jewel. What was it?
The mural on the wall!
It depicted a man and a woman bursting with floral patterns, both facing what looked like an abstract globe. This exquisite masterpiece was most likely painted by local artists or village inhabitants who volunteered to contribute their creative talents.
As I sat on one of the wooden benches while observing the children having fun, vivid memories of my own childhood awakened in a similar energized environment. Every game I played plus each wounded elbow and knee I suffered was part of my personal adventure. The playground was my original canvas where I painted creativity and pursued the zest for life in an ever-challenging universe.
The village playground I just unveiled actually exposed an identical truth. The mural on the wall wasn’t only art, but also a storytelling tool - arousing interesting conversations among other curious visitors present. Moreover, the children weren't only playing, but were also leaving significant traces of laughter, excitement, and happiness embedded within their community atmosphere.
Wow! It was absolutely an astonishing revelation I didn't expect to enlighten me.
In an age where play has been currently structured and is synonymous with digital devices, screens, gaming consoles, and other online entertainment systems, the physical (offline) playground clearly manifests the spontaneity of our mortal existence. Doesn't it? The younger generations get to learn to face challenges, develop new relationships, and aspire for countless possibilities.
The mural, on the other hand, invites them to aim for the stars - by opening their senses to the marvels of our planet and by pushing them beyond their comfort zones to experience life more than what it actually is. In other words, why not become limitless?
As a visiting spectator, this reminded me of a forgotten innocence, a subtle push to embrace the amazing wonders all around me. As a result, I caught myself smiling as if I was trapped between the realms of nostalgia and reality.
This playground with its artful details and dynamic ambiance surely kept a powerful force far surpassing its miniscule dimensions. It served as an open invitation for passers-by to enter a portal where art and play are bonded in marriage - like a loving couple sworn to forever protect their vows.
Upon leaving the premises, I gladly realized that the mural and playground were more than just a community endeavor - they were a remarkable tribute to being human. In this humble place, the combined magic of art and play was definitely within our reach - if only we attempted to notice them.
Have you?
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Wow @storiesoferne , you found a treasure, the park looks clean and preserved, it has several attractions, my favorite is the board game, here we know it as ladders and snakes, playing it is fun, when you think you are going to win because you have few squares left, by some strange coincidence the die falls on the snake or a ladder that sends you down and you lose all progress heh, heh 😂😂😀.
Have a great week!
That's true @belkyscabrera. This small playground was indeed a hidden gem that I unexpectedly discovered. It turned out to be a great blessing in disguise.
Oh, thank you for opening my eyes to the Ladders and Snakes board game, I wasn't familiar with it the first time. Perhaps we can play it together someday, haha. 😂 Have a productive, safe, and delightful week ahead. Kind greetings! ☺️
The ladders and snakes game is a lot of fun, I hope we can play it soon and not lose the progress, although this part makes it more interesting and eye catching 😀🤣😂.
Happy Tuesday!
Awesome, looking forward to that. I'm pretty sure this board game will be full of fun and laughter. 😂 Happy Tuesday! ☺️
I'm sure it is 😂😊
A place that inspires peace and a connection with nature. These spaces should be a massive trend in every city or town, it would do great mental, emotional and physical good. Thanks for sharing @storiesoferne a big hug friend 🤗🫂
Well said @karelysk89. Civilizations around the world would always surely benefit from the countless values that parks and playgrounds contribute. With splashes of creativity through art, then you've got the complete package for sustainable growth. Thank you for stopping by. Warmest regards! ☺️
Perfect combo!
Adults should have places like this too
I agree. Art and play is for everyone - regardless of age, gender, race, and beliefs. Cheers! ☺️
Very interesting picture my friend, have a nice day 😘
Thanks for the appreciation. Best regards! ☺️
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Beautiful arts
Yes, they are.