As a mom with kids this age and being from this area, I can say that my concern would be less that someone would abduct my kids, and more concerned that a kid would get injured or lost in the woods, or fall in to the bodies of water in this park.
It's just not really an area where people are messing with little kids and random abductions are not happening.
I feel like maybe there were people in Noema's age group playing basketball, maybe not people she knew so much as friends, but as people she felt safe with, maybe recognized and felt familiar with, and it gave her an extra sense that it's ok regarding the stranger danger.
I personally hate to live in fear of my kids being abducted and the helicopter mentality of some parents where they want kids to live in a protective bubble. I try to foster independence in my children by giving them a sense of safety and letting them run ahead, but know I have to recheck that now.
I also think it was so hot that day, maybe she was sitting in the car with the air running, but who knows.
At any rate, I hope this child is found. I so want a happier ending. Regardless of the outcome, it changes life for this family and community in a negative way. That deserves compassion.