Empire Drive In

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Audio from the film is included in this incredible new installation in New York.  If you're in the area check out Empire Drive In -- it re-uses disposable artifacts from consumer culture for creative and playful gains AKA your can watch movies from the back seat of a junked out Mustang!

During the day audio excerpts from the film will be broadcast through the the once booming, now busted car speakers via low-power radio. I'm thrilled to participate in this whimsical project that breaths new life into forgotten objects.  

 "This isn't junk... this is a story."


Special thanks to the curator of said audio, the talented and inspiring (and backer of this film!) Ann Heppermann for including us.  Now go, go, go if you can and enjoy!

 

BBC Report

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The BBC just filed a report about The Land. The headline sums things up nicely, "Junk Playground Inspires US Guests" - indeed!  

 

Thanks to Morgan Leichter-Saxby for pointing out we were named dropped - not bad! 

So thrilled The Land is getting the attention it deserves.  And I can't wait to see what comes of the visit for the US.  

Read the full story here. 

 

Featured in New Play Advocacy Booklet from The Alliance for Childhood

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Joan Almon at The Alliance for Childhood has released a new booklet: Adventure: The Value of Risk in Children's Play.  It includes all the facts and figures you're grasping for when defending risk and play in your community.   

 Adventure: The Value of Risk in Children's Play  

Inside you'll recognize several photos of The Land. The more adults that take an interest in self-directed play, playwork and risk... the smilier my smile gets.  Add it to your library, or give one to your favorite principal...  

Have a great week! 

The Library - Who Knew?

I live and work in a lovely college town. And where there are colleges.... there are LIBRARIES. Why didn't I think of this before? 

Just when I thought I'd googled every variation of play, play deprivation, playwork (very few results by the way), playgrounds and "are we all going to rot and become robots for lack of spontaneity, and joie de vivre...?" I found my library.  And oh what a good one it is.  This is just the beginning. 

 

Listen: Of Kith and Kids

Thank to the incredible folks at Transom.org  for premiering the new radio story about The Land adventure playground!  The piece inspired some lovely play memories in the comments and is airing locally around the country.  Still looking for our national home!   

Have you listened yet?  Take a break, put on headphones, dim the lights and visit the land yourself.  What makes you feel uncomfortable? What makes you swoon? 

 

Watch: Nils Norman

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You know you're playground obsessed when you spend the morning watching a series of Nils Norman lectures. 

The contrast between what the mainstream provides for children, and what they create when left to their own devices is telling us something. Shouting to us! Listen! Listen!