I passed by a large empty field today. There were children playing frisbee and teen girls having a game of volleyball. Someone was jogging around the perimeter. It is such a rare sight to have empty vacant and useable land for recreation. In Australia, we call that an 'oval', where you can bring your dog to play, throw a few balls, jog, push a pram or let your kids run amok without worrying.
I realised I have not deliberately made an effort to go to the shopping centres just for shopping. I know in my past life, shopping centres are good for that 1km slow walk after a meal while I walk from shop to shop, sometimes fairly aimless, most times just window shopping. Now that shopping centres are crammed with people, I avoid them unless I need to buy something.
With online shopping so accessible these days, I was wondering if we can build less shopping centres? It feels like a repeat of chain stores and restaurants that makes one mall similar to another. Can we have a supermarket and some basic shops like post office, and reserve the rest of the land for a good spot of space where the community can come to do something recreational? I do like those purpose build public sports and recreational centres, but if you do not swim, play badminton, ping pong or use the gym, what can you do? How about something like an oval? We might just know our community better that way.
Since I have been back, I have been eyeing that open staircase landing on my floor. It is a fairly big and protruded one, with nothing over it till 5 storeys later. I wanted to set up the BBQ, invite my friends and neighbours, and just enjoy our surroundings. Oh, I also spotted a nice spot to sit and read a book outdoors in a shelter when it is not so hot out there.
Now I just need to find a way to lower the horrendous arvo heat.
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