Feature Writer Lynne Tatum – More Adventures in the Park
Last week’s article on Central Park prompted more recollections from the sublime to the hair-raising.
The charming Central Park Zoo is a wonderful place to explore. When my nieces were younger, we took them there and I will never forget as they easily walked under a small, wooden bridge and I painfully smacked right into it. I swear that I saw stars the day. There was nothing to do but take a few breaths and keep going, as I didn’t want to spoil their outing. My mobility cane proved absolutely useless as it went right on ahead while my well-known hard head met an equally inflexible material. Years later, Maria and I had a blissfully pain-free experience as we tested materials for tactile sea anemones and other spongy and rubbery substances for use in an exhibition for persons who are blind and visually impaired.
At Central Park North, there is a wonderfully relaxing spot with a winding lake with benches that follow its twists and turns. We rarely sit, as we find it far more beneficial to circumnavigate the lake. These days, walking around the lake is challenge enough, but there was an occasion when we met with acquaintances who offered to ride around the Park with us on our single bikes. I really underestimated my failing vision at the time. All I’ll say is that they almost had to fish me out of the lake as I slid down a hill and only a gate stopped me from taking an unexpected dip. Our companions could do nothing more than look on in helpless horror. That was the last time I rode that darned single-person bike. Another winter season found us completely lost as we veered off the path. How we made it out of the park, we’ll never know, but we haven’t tried that scary, snowy misadventure again.
Central Park has several picturesque and famous spots and we’ve availed ourselves of most of them. Recently, Maria and I were asked to sing the National Anthem at a Beep Baseball game. I was pleasantly surprised at the lush greenery to be found on the field where the game was played. The grass was literally like a plush carpet. It’s gratifying to know that all lawns are beautifully maintained at the same level of the Great Lawn.
In addition to Wallman’s Skating Rink and the Carousel, if you have the opportunity to visit Central Park, try to visit the amazing Conservatory Gardens with its fountain and terraced gardens and path containing a riotous profusion of flowers and plant life. We had all intentions of strolling through that glorious area during my vacation, but were stymied by the hazy, hot, and humid weather conditions.
For more information, visit www.centraparknyc.org