One of my Favorite Things

Do you ever wander around the city parks and look at the dedications on park benches?

Well, if you don't, you should. I find it to be one of the most inspirational and relaxing activities in this city. And because I believe in sharing inspiration here are a few of my favorites:

 "Enjoy a moment of peace- The Quinns"

"Angie, Have I asked you to marry me yet today? Love, Mike"

This one is just so sweet!

"With gratitude
Glorious, glorious Central Park
Lovely oasis of beauty and inspiration

A photographer's delight - Joan Wolfson"

Couldn't agree more with this one.

"Sit. Relax. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the Day. Linda C. Kobefitsch"

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive: to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.- Marcus Aurelius   From the family of John R. Fernbach"

I love these little phrases. They always remind me to live each day to the fullest, especially those benches that are dedicated to the memory of someone who loved the city parks. I hope you are inspired to enjoy your surroundings and take a moment each day to to be thankful for the little things in life.

Run for the Parks

Think and run green on April 18th at 8:00 AM in a 4-mile race that supports City Parks Foundation.

Proceeds from the day benefit CPF's free citywide programs.

You can bring the whole family to participate in the kids' races and have fun at the post-race reception. What's the ideal location for your Sunday run? Central Park, of course.
 
Register Here

April is Million Trees Month

Learn more here: Million Trees NYC

Now go get your planting on!


P.S. Million Trees also pointed me towards this article from the New York Times... It might be considered disorderly conduct, but I guess I am just incredibly disorderly. Don't believe me? The scars on my knees and shins from being a kid and climbing every tree I could find will prove it!

High Line's Addition Delayed

Image by: Joel Sternfeld, Courtesy of Highline.org

The second section of the High Line was originally supposed to open in this fall (2010) but, due to a lack of funding the park's opening will be delayed until the spring or summer of 2011.

The Park's first section runs from Gansevoort Street to West 20th Street and opened to rave reviews. For more information read Walk the High Line.

According to dnainfo.com: "The park’s second stretch — running from 20th to 30th streets — was slated to open later this year after the initial section debuted last summer." However, due the recession, developing funds has not been as easy as they had hoped it would be. The High Line's construction and maintenance has been largely supported through private funding thus the Park will need more time to fundraise.

While reading the High Line Second Section Opening Pushed Back to 2011 I also noticed the that the park will include a "'great lawn' and a 'woodland tree-top canopy walk'"--- Does it get much cooler than that???

To read the original article click here. And to donate to the High Line park visit www.highline.org.

Brooklyn Bridge Park will be Completed!!!! :)

According to the New York Times, New York State has agreed to allow the completion of Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO. Only a few small portions of the park are completed at this time, and each year more areas are expected to open.

This picture, courtesy of The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, is of part of the park that is currently open. Having worked in DUMBO I can promise that this area is a wonderful place to go for a walk or to eat your lunch. If you are looking for gorgeous views and a little hint of nature I highly recommend going to the area called The Cove,which is right between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

This spring the Park is expected to make13 new acres available to the public with the openings on Piers 1 and 6. The New York Times also notes that Pier 2 is expected to open, which would be designed for sports, though I was unable to find any information on Pier 2 on the Park's website. Please note, that the Empire-Fulton Ferry location is currently closed for renovations, and plans to reopen in spring 2011.

If you do plan on taking a stroll through the Park, I highly recommend stopping by the Ice Cream Factory, located at 1 Water Street, it is absolutely delicious!

Call to Action- Don't Let Our State Parks Close!

As a child I went away to camp in the Adirondacks every summer. While there, I developed a strong appreciation for our national and state parks, they are one of this country's and this state's greatest resources.

Lately, some troubling news has come out of Albany, the State plans to close 41 state parks along with 14 historic sites. Now, any outdoor enthusiast would be troubled by this news, but for me, with so many wonderful memories tied to these plots of precious preserved land, the news is particularly upsetting.

I will be contacting my state representative to urge her to fight to keep the parks open and I encourage you to do the same! To learn how to contact your state representative or to find out who your state representative is you may do so at the NY State Assembly website.

If you would like to read more about the issue, you may do so here:
The New York Times
Business Week
Times Union -lists the parks expected to close

For now, I will leave you with a picture of Adirondack State Park... a type of beauty and unassuming majesty that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Walk the High Line

 

Image courtesy of islandwoo.com 

March has begun and the weather is getting warmer... spring seems to be arriving. This weekend's highs are predicted to be in the upper 40's, so take the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Now, I assume most of you have heard about the High Line which runs from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street between 10th and 11th. There are even entry points to the park if you can't manage the stairs. This is a great flat walk with fantastic views of the City, the River and New Jersey.

Sadly they don't allow dogs. There are also no bikes, skateboards or skates allowed.... however, this also makes for a very calm and relaxing promenade. 

For more information check out The High Line's Website.