The author makes some good points in this article, but I don't think that providing children a safe play area is a problem. Poor landscaping, the loss of trees, and small lots (with giant McMansions on them) is a problem. I live in a 45 year old house with lovely landscaping, two very large trees and several smaller trees. They make my property feel very cozy and much more comfortable during the hot summers. I am so tired of seeing neighbors (or the city) cut down old large trees. Sometimes it's because they are diseased, but often it is because they don't want to have to deal with the leaves or pine needles. Give me a break people, just go live in an apartment then! Even if you are forced to remove your tree due to disease, plant a new one! Plant two while your at it! Don't contribute to your neighborhood becoming a barren expanse of concrete and browning lawns!

P.S. I just put together a lovely wooden playset that I hope my 3 year old daughter and 8 month old son will enjoy for years. Anything to help them have fun outside.