Is a backyard a luxury? I can't think of any kid that would prefer living in a concrete jungle vs having a back yard they go play in without having to plan a trip to a park.
I'm with ya though on the keeping up with the Jones stuff.
I'm with ya though on the keeping up with the Jones stuff.
The other big thing is that parks often have much better equipment than people's back yards. A lot of suburbanites buy their kids swing sets, which are usually not well designed and of poor quality. Most urban parks aimed at kids have lots of professionally-designed equipment that is well made and keeps kids attention much longer. It's also much easier to find a full-size basketball court, tennis court, etc.
You don't have to plan a trip to the park if you actually live in a walkable area. You just walk to one.
I've lived in a couple of US cities now, it's very hit or miss. San Jose, CA? Plenty of neighborhoods without a park of usable size within walking distance, and the intellectual and financial investment in equipment is fairly limited. Boston, MA? Feels like you can't go 3 blocks without hitting a park, and many of them have great equipment.
In theory your statement is true, but the reality covers a spectrum that may or may not be acceptable.
The best part about the park is there's tons of other kids there. Sitting alone in a yard be very lonely.
What about teenagers?