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.

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!

Summer Declared

Sorry for not posting with my usual frequency but, I just couldn't sit by my computer all day long. It was too nice out.

In case you want a recap of the past two days: Summer Overtakes Spring; Confusion Reigns

Judging by the numbers you were all also out enjoying the sun! How did you spend Wednesday and Thursday? What did you do to enjoy the gorgeous weather? I hope you had fun!!!

I WANT to do THIS!!!

That post title should read "I WANT to do THIS"-- But I couldn't figure out how to manipulate the font of just one title and not all of them (blogger fail!).

At this point you are probably thinking, "What is this crazy chick ranting about?" Well, if you would hold your horses for just a second I will tell you.

Blog audience, please meet Alley Pond Park Adventure Course.  Alley Pond Park Adventure Course, please meet your new biggest fans!

Okay, okay... so some of you may not have fantasies about your dream vacation looking something like an Army Boot Camp on a Greek Island for 6 weeks of hellish workouts in an awesome environment with a smattering of culture here and there. Some of you may not actively look for grueling 18k hikes on you next getaway... but hey, to each their own... and I swear, I'll have you converted in no time at all!

Now I grew up loving high ropes courses and we did them all the time at Camp in the Adirondacks. But if you haven't tried them yet, you really have to! I truly believe there is no better way to build your self confidence, get over fears, develop physical self-awareness and foster trusting relationships with friends. Plus... if you've ever wanted to live like a tree person, this is your chance... they have a zip line!

The Course is open May through November... so May 1, you guys will know where to find me! ;)

 Image by Daniel Avila courtesy of New York City Department of Parks and Recreation

P.S. Be sure to check out the Reviews of the Adventure Course on The New York Times's blog City Room and NY1 (links also found at the bottom of the Adventure Course's website). If this post didn't convert you, I bet NY1's video of the "Swing Shot" totally will.

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!

Fractions of a Second

So like most New Yorkers, my Sunday morning tradition consists of reading The Times. Not being a morning person, I often read the Sunday Times online. This morning they had a particularly cool feature, especially cool if you are a fan of the Olympics. And really what outdoor enthusiast isn't a fan of the Olympics?

So check out this interactive feature Fractions of a Second: An Olympic Musical. Being a former alpine racer I loved listening to the finishing times. The feature really makes one realize how phenomenal these athletes are and how tight each competition really is!

Thinking about a Ski/Snowboard Getaway?

If you are thinking about taking a day out of the city to hit the slopes the Frugal Traveler may have the answers you are looking for.

In 2009 The New York Times published an article on its Frugal Traveler Blog about day trips to Vermont ski areas from the New York City metro area. Now Vermont seems like a long trip, but the Frugal Travel makes it doable and affordable (two pluses in my book). Check out his post here.

More recently, the Frugal Traveler provided us with an even more doable option for skiing in the metro area, Rail to the Trails. How much easier could skiing in the Tri-State Area be when you can just hop on a train straight to Thunder Ridge?

Over all, I usually recommend keeping an eye on the The Frugal Traveler. While he discusses world-wide travel ideas, he also often discusses things to do locally, as well as day or weekend getaways.

So what do you think, are day trips to Vermont worth the effort and expense? Would you do a Metro North Railroad ski trip? Have you gone on either of these trips or similar ones? Got any reviews to share?