Trash cans, staircases, and bus stops can be playgrounds too

We love playgrounds, but as any child knows, the concept of confining play to a designated area is somewhat absurd. As we work toward our vision of a playground within walking distance of every child, we also love to see play opportunities beyond the playground -- for kids and adults alike.

Our popular guest blogger Alex Gilliam, from Public Workshop, wrote last year about implementing "a citywide play circuit," drawing from inspiration he found abroad. He's not the only one who is fond of this notion. Tim McGill, author of Rethinking Childhood, says, "The word is playability. A playable space is one that encourages play alongside other functions."

So why not play with trash cans, at bus stops, and down flights of stairs? Kids do it naturally, but adults may need some extra cues:

Photo credits: Swing at bus stop: popupcity.net; hopscotch and trash can basketball: rebelart.net; slide at metro station: newslite.tv; free throw line and street maze: monkeyzen.com.

See more fun street art on our Tumblr blog.