also, what about the other outdoor space that's around? We went to the (urban, trash-covered, freezing, awesome) beach when I was a kid. Now I don't live on the water but there are schools cat-swinging distance around me in all directions, which means there are public fields everywhere. Is there a skate park? Do the kids play soccer or Pop Warner or Little League? I know it's a terribly urban thing of me to say, but shared outdoor spaces is not only a better way to build a civil society than a private lawn, but it's also a place where you are more likely to find other kids to play with.