Abandoned Play

Diana Studer

Is it just an overgrown hilltop—or a hidden fortress from which to rule a kingdom below? Using found materials like wood, moss, sticks, and grass, my children and their friends built what they call “the forts.” A series of secret hideouts, these structures allow them to observe friends and neighbors passing by, all while remaining unseen. It’s a space where their imaginations thrive—creating a secret world, both literally and figuratively.

To those walking by, it might look like nothing more than a wild patch of land. But beneath the surface, it’s alive with creativity and play.

Often, the places adults overlook or deem useless are the ones that hold the greatest potential for children’s play. As more abandoned lots and natural spaces disappear due to development, the chance for this kind of imaginative exploration is shrinking. Before we assume a space has no value, we should take a moment to consider how a child might see it.