[gtlondon]

This is a great point that kids don't want AstroTurf and climbing walls -- ultimately they just want to play.

Its the same in the UK. Schools close within 15 minutes unless you pay extra to stay.

On the plus side: the over population and diversity in London specifically means that kids here are actually quite good at behaving / communicating as they tend to be in transitional groups.

[fatnoah]

"This is a great point that kids don't want AstroTurf and climbing walls -- ultimately they just want to play."

My son's school goes daily to an amazing playground with a 20ft high climbing structure, swings, rock wall, zip line, and other school stuff. He and his friends usually end up playing with sticks in the dirt in the one part of the playground not covered in wood chips or a rubberized ground.