As a child, I have many memories of playing on swing sets, monkey bars, balance beams and slides. I guess I always imagined that children just always happily play at playgrounds on equipment designed for playing. What I didn’t realize, until I had a very mobile toddler, is how she can make play equipment out of just about anything.
A short wall (more like a high curb, but it’s on the sidewalk so not really a curb) – This one is right across the street on Irving Place from Santa Maria BBQ at the Fire Station. This is for the “Mommy, sit there” game. During our weekend excursions as we pass this area, we run a little, sit on the wall, run again and repeat.
Statues – There is a bronze statue of Harry H. Culver and his family in front of the historic Culver Hotel. My little girl loves to sit on the bench read the bronze newspaper and talk to the bronze baby in Mrs. Culver’s arms.
Stairs – This is the urban play equipment most like to wear this mommy out. Recently we found two sets that she loves in Downtown Culver City. The beautiful Spanish tiled stairs at Meralta Office Plaza and the stairs at the back of Rush Street (next to Santa Maria BBQ). More than once my little one climbed all the way up to the top, came back down and went all the way up again (with Coach Mommy guiding the way), “Again, Mommy, again.” Whew! Who needs a gym?
