[ethbr1]

Parks are sanitized vacant lots.

The important thing is just having some sort of space, as the article puts it.

>> As described by Ray Oldenburg, “third places” are locations where locals can meet, interact, and relax in a place that isn’t their home or place of work. In these locations, kids get the chance to socialize and develop intellectually. American suburbs don’t have these places.

There's rightfully no stipulation whether that's a corner store, mall, park, empty lot, or wild area.

The important thing is that it's accessible to kids and parents aren't around.