I grew up in a rural area but am raising my daughter here in Roslindale. When she started walking, everything in the city felt like a danger, whether it be falling on the concrete and hitting her head or running into traffic. To keep her safe, I felt like we were always in a place of restricting her or saying “no” or “be careful.” The Arboretum became the place where she could explore, unleashed and in charge of her movement and direction. It was a place for her to develop courage and confidence in her body and to feel empowered to make her own decisions, as much as a toddler can. Even to this day, now that she is 6, the Arboretum is a place for her to explore and push boundaries by wading through the creek or climbing up the rock faces. It will be a place in her memory, helping to shape her childhood, just as the woods of Pennsylvania did for me.