You know, the Fediverse reminds me of the local oval in my childhood neighbourhood.
Every day after school, I'd get home, raid the fridge and bolt out the door to the oval. I had no idea who would be there but other kids would always pop in and we'd kick the ball around or organise a game. Then, darkness would fall and we'd all disappear.
We never called each other or planned anything but we connected when our paths crossed. I really like being back in that world.
@sjpurrs You're describing the park next to my house (just to tell you that such places still exist)