Two Great Articles on City Parks

I was very pleased to hear through the New York Times that the City will be taking control of Governor's Island. I know Leslie Koch, President of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation, and have heard her speak at a number of events. She has really been a driving force behind the recent revitalization the park and I think the City's control of the Island will only further the process.

According to the NY Times:

Image: Artist's rendering of of the Shell on Governor's Island, from New York City Takes Over Governors Island

"As part of the announcement, the city unveiled a new plan to continue to redevelop much of the island as a public park, adding amenities, green space and making improvements to the 2.2-mile promenade that offers sweeping views of New York Harbor. The city, which will be primarily responsible for developing and operating the island, said it has already committed $41.5 million to the project."

For more information on Governor's Island, how to get there and the activities available on the island check out the website (http://www.govisland.com/).

The second article is a lovely tribute to Tupper Thomas, who recently announced her retirement, and her role in the rejuvenation of Prospect Park. To read more: Returning Prospect Park to the People.

A Race Anyone Can Win

Jack Rabbit Sports (one of my favorite stores) is holding a race on April 13th in Prospect Park that ANYONE can win. That's right anyone... if you run a 6 minute mile or at 12 minute mile, it doesn't matter... we'll all be evenly matched.

Jack Rabbit writes,  

This race will not be won by the fastest runner, but by the person who knows themselves best.  When you register, you need to predict your finishing time.  The race will be chip timed, but there will be no clocks on the course and runners are not allowed to wear watches.  After the race, you’ll see what your actual finish time was and just how close you came.  The people that are closest to their predicted times win.

Because this race is not about speed, we will not have separate categories for men & women or different age groups.  Instead, the top 5 most accurate runners will win a $30 coupon to JackRabbit, the next 10 most accurate will win a $20 coupon, and the next 10 most accurate will win a $10 coupon.  Winners will receive coupons via email or as a store credit.

The proceeds of this event are going directly to benefit Prospect Park.  Instead of printing yet another race tee shirt, we’re going to pool the proceeds from the race and put them towards a project in Prospect Park that will benefit the running community.  

Crucial Information: The race will begin and end at the Bartel Prichard lot at the intersection of 15th St and Prospect Park West in Prospect Park at 7:00 p.m.  Please plan to arrive no later than 6:45p.  Bag drop will be provided.  The start is very close to the F train stop at Prospect Park. The race course will be approximately one loop of the park.

The race is capped at 400 registrants.  Online registration will end at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 12th or when the race is full. Online registration is $20 at www.jackrabbitsports.com/anyonecanwin.  Pre-race packet pickup will be available at the JackRabbit Union Square store on Monday, April 12th or at the race start beginning at 6:00pm.  If space is still available, race evening registration will be $30 on-site.

I love that Jack Rabbit is donating the proceeds of this race to benefit Prospect Park... Personally, while I love race tees, I have enough of them and I always agree with supporting our city's parks. Way to go Jack Rabbit!!

Please go and checkout Jack Rabbit's website. This store proved to be a great resource for me when I had just started running. Their staff was always encouraging, welcoming and friendly. Additionally, they were knowledgeable about their products and general resources for runners in and around the city. They are great for runners, cyclists, swimmers, yoga fanatics and general fitness enthusiasts.

Overall, I think this race sounds like a fantastic idea... I'm slow, so this may be my only opportunity to ever win anything. I'm so excited! See you out there!