I had this realization that the movement of playgrounds from wood to metal purposefully perfectly represents industrialization of everything. This movement away from raw material like wood to something that has to be produced and painted like metal. But also that kids can’t be trusted with wood because they might get splinters.

It also reminded me much of my childhood was shaped by playing outside, at playgrounds, and camps, and after school programs. A very different, but necessary coming-of-age opportunity than the flavor of parenting I got.