My memories of high school were of regularly using the grounds of the high school for activities when school was over. This included summers and weekends. We played every sport imaginable, soccer, football, la cross, or ran on the high school's out door track. Me and my friends also went to other local school yards to play as well. We would draw a square batter's box on the wall of one grade school and play fast pitch baseball using the wall as a back stop for our tennis balls. I can't remember ever being kicked off by the police. The only time the police came by is when we played softball in the street. We of course resumed play when the police drove away.
This of course, does not include the various indoor soccer matches played in the Gyms of local grade schools on Sunday mornings when they left the doors unlocked.
Things sure have changed.
You got that right. Wonder what Robert Frost would write about in our times. No exalting kids swinging in birches and bending their limbs down. Somebody would have a fit.
Glad you have some good memories on the school grounds. My school was too far so we never stuck around after school. But I lived on a quiet street, and we played kick the can, softball, simon says, and some hide and seek game. No cops ever chased us off. I don't remember a police car or fire truck ever coming to that street in the 9 years I lived there.
And fourth of July was really something then. We had caps and cap guns. Haven't seen any in years. My sister and I both had them. Few powder burns now and then. No big deal.
They probably patrol that street once in awhile now. It's been fifty years. I have a b&w photo I took as a kid of the street (mostly small bungalow type and a few two story homes) with all the old cars (late 40's). I've gone back to do a now in full color with my digital. It's amazing that the houses have changed so little, very few additions, just some newer siding here and there, new garages, swimming pool in one yard, all properties in good condition. Most of them are even the same color they were 50 years ago.
When a for sale sign goes up on that street, it doesn't last a week usually. People know a good thing when they see it.