An important part of the Progressive Education movement, the playground, influenced John Dewey's educational philosophy of learning. "The playground, particularly during the Progressive reform movement of the early 1900s benefited from the widespread belief that play was child's work. Dewey portrayed children as miniature adults who had to adapt to their environment by actively exploring it" (Solomon, 2005, p. 8). Educators believed that if a child had a place to play, they would not be seduced by the evils of the neighborhood, such as gangs, drugs, or looting. Playgrounds became a place for children and adults to come together and establish a sense of community.