When we moved to the park and museum district in our city, the nature of our walks changed. We gained the opportunity to explore green spaces and art installations within walking distance. I have discovered how much both nature and art feed my soul, Today I am reminiscing with a heart full of gratitude.
Months after we moved to this neighborhood, the first grandchild came followed by his brother 19 months later. That’s when my sense of wonder was awakened! Having two young grandsons to go exploring with added a fresh perspective, allowing me to see familiar sites anew. We used to pull the children along inside a wagon when they were too big to carry if they got tired. They munched on pretzels and took in the passing scenery. Now they are too big to pull both of them in the wagon, so they ride their bikes or walk on our outings in the neighborhood.
The Park playground is a frequent request; once there, the children climb, and play until they tire themselves out. Often, they find other children to play with while we take turns either sitting on the bench or supervising their play. It’s fun to see them gain dexterity in climbing and to watch their glee zooming down the slide. We sometimes walk around the lake or go for a ride in one of the boats. Water is such a huge attraction.
The children have also grown fond of an architectural complex in the neighborhood. When we first went there, the Richardson buildings clearly captured the imagination of the older grandson. Grandpa is an architect, so he comes by an interest in buildings naturally.
When he saw the imposing structure in the center of the complex, he informed us that it was a castle. Then he pointed to each turret and identified one as the king’s and the other the queen’s. What is a castle without a king and queen living in it? It is fascinating to see those majestic buildings through the eyes of a young child.
Whenever we go to the complex with its wide lawn, the children hop out of the wagon or off their bikes to explore the sculptural art, called “Look and See.” The boys love to laugh at their funny images in the mirror and to climb through the cut-outs. It never fails to engage them and this prompts me to take a closer look myself. I pause to giggle and take a picture when I see my distorted image.
When they have finished exploring this piece of public art, we head through the tunned to the other side of the complex. That in itself is fun – venturing through a brick tunnel. Not far ahead, there is another sculptural piece including colorful objects sitting on an axis in front of the Burchfield Penney. The axis allows for spinning them. The children start at one end of the sculptures which range in size from small to large, pushing them one at a time. We then marvel to watch the colorful pins spinning together.
Another highlight of our outings is the AKG Art Museum which re-opened last summer. We often go there to play with legos or in the family room. It’s great fun and accessible year-round. Last night, my husband and I went to Shakespeare in the park and are now imagining when we will share that experience with the children. What is fun for us is even more fun when we experience it through the eyes of the children.
There is a lot to be said for parks, public art, and museums in the neighborhood. They are designed for creative exploration and the children know just what to do when they get there. I love their multi-age appeal and how everyone’s needs for movement, fresh air, and play are met.
My husband and I walk in the park daily, but our walks are more wonderful when we add the children’s perspective to the mix.
That’s when we rediscover the wonders in our own neighborhood!
