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Playgrounds, an integral part of the urban landscape, are public spaces where the ideals of childhood, design, and citizenship have played out for over a century. In this walk with SUNY Historian Emeritus, Jim Wunsch, and Hadas Fischer, Manager of Interpretation at the Central Park Conservancy, we visit popular playgrounds along the west side of Central Park.

Together, we will consider different playground models including the visions of early 20th century progressives, contemporary designers, and Jane’s arch-nemesis, Robert Moses. Indulge in a bit of nostalgia—don’t stand up when swinging!— before wrestling with the basic question, what makes for a good playground?

Playful urbanists, design enthusiasts, and kids welcome.