Two girls imagine their way to Kolle 37, a real adventure playground in Berlin, Germany. Recently called "the mother of all Berlin playgrounds" by The New York Times, Kolle 37 enables children to build and climb three-story wooden structures, make fire, and use hammers, saws and axes. Founded in 1990, Kolle 37 invites young people ages six through sixteen, without their parents, to embrace risky play in the 'adventure playground' under the loose supervision of playworkers. Although about 1,000 adventure playgrounds exist in Europe, there are only a few in the U.S. where the concept of 'free play' is becoming an endangered concept. But adventure playgrounds not only encourage young people to play outdoors in all seasons, they also provide children a chance to face risk, learn skills, and build confidence. Ultimately, 'Imagine Kolle 37' poses the question-can we, as Americans, imagine Kolle 37, which in fact is a real children's playground in Berlin?
