Dorothy C.
Yelp
Sunday was Superbowl. Sunday was also sunny. So...
The guy and I walked to Albany Park.
It wasn't deserted, surprisingly enough. Kids played. Moms *and* Dads hung out to watch their little darlin's scamper about the swings, the "walking structure", and the picnic tables. There wasn't a radio or television in sight. Nor did I see earbuds...
In other words...
Memorial Part is bigger and better than virtually any televised sports event. This I believe...
I've been using this park forever. When I was a kid, there was a nifty wading pool located near the Albany pool. And yes, the kids did use it.
The slide was big and scary. My own kids tested their mettle on it circa 1967.
And, of course, there were the teetertotters. I once read that more childhood accidents were caused by teetertotters than any other piece of playground equipment. Me...I would have put my money on the slide.
Now...the equipment is safe. The restrooms are usually clean and open to the public. Occasionally, the water fountain is clogged by small children floating boats in Old Sandy Bottom...but usually the fountain, too, works.
So:
*Kudos to Albany for keeping a nice park open for all of us, lo these many years.
*Kudos to the Albany Boy Scout troop who plant trees for fallen heroes on the periphery of the park.
*Kudos to Eric B. (SHOUT IT OUT) for being on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
*Kudos to Albany parents for caring more about their kids than about the Stupid Bowl. (Sorry..."sports" don't include vegging in front of the tv, IMHO)
*And kudos to the park planners who included tennis courts, a swimming pool, a sports field, and a dog park in the very same block.
* Oh, and congrats to the kids who have their birthday parties, weddings, concerts, and other life events here.
You all rock, and so does the park!