Hwasi, thank you. I was thinking that but was too lazy to Jack Schafer-ify this story.

And to the posters that think this story about empty suburban streets rings true--maybe but not in all suburbs. I recently moved from a unique older neighborhood with nice big yards and no privacy fences. But there were no sidewalks, we were far away from our neighbors, and there were no stores or restaurants that you could safely walk to. Now I live in the sort of suburb that I used to hate on principle. But I like being close to my neighbors and I always see families out walking and riding their bikes because we have sidewalks and parks. And the neighborhood playground and pool get lots of use, especially during the week.

A final thought: I attribute the proliferation of backyard playscapes to open container laws. After all, I can't have a beer while watching my kid at the neighborhood playground.