I grew up in the Longwood section of the Bronx back in the 70’s and early 80’s. During that time there was no such thing as a “playground” (at least not in that part of The Bronx.) Instead, we had school yards, abandoned lots full of bricks still there from when apartment buildings were knocked down and abandoned buildings. We made the best of what we had and turned everything around us into our own playground. Instead of going to a pool, we soaked ourselves in pump water. Yes, you may see it as poverty, which it was. To me, it is beautiful childhood memories, that I would not trade for anything in the world.