#ilovenycparks

At last I get to describe my favourite part of New York City. The fact is that my favourite part isn’t a singular but a collective. In short, the foliage and greenery dotted around the city. Be it called a square or a park, this is where the people seem to simply hang out and the pace of the city slows.

Bryant Park is located next to the Public library with a centre square of grass for summertime lounging. I’m here in spring and the flowering trees frame the outskirts. Beneath the trees is where the magic happens. An outdoor reading corner, tables and chairs sporting games of chess in various stages of checkmate or defeat. Next up is an intense game of ping pong or a gentler game of boule. Children dot in and out with the chance of a ride on the carousel. Hungry or thirsty? Bring your own or take advantage of the waffles sold on the corner of the square.

Union Square is where you take in the spring sun whilst lounging on a bench or read a book. Cheekily glimpse over your book at people feeding the pigeons and squirrels. Beware, some of the New York crazies also enjoy these parks and you may be drawn into a one sided conversation about nothing. In one corner the Manhattan dwellers give their dogs a breather from their apartments and the freed pooches dash around with glee albeit in a gated enclosure. The ever present chess players can also be found here.

I’ve always wanted to sit and read a book in Central Park or go for a run on its bridal pathways. I settled for a walk instead accompanied by regular stops to relax, read and nap on the grass under blooming trees. As I made my way from the southern to the northern part of the park, my sense of smell took in the aroma of the cherry blossoms and my heart smiled. What a pleasant surprise, I haven’t experienced that smell in years as Durban doesn’t have dramatic season changes and I do miss them.

Around every bend the park changes. There is something for everyone to do or corners to explore. You can pass under bridges, some with simple brickwork, others with ornate tiling on the roof. The acoustics at Bethesda Terrace are perfect for an opera singer, the sound haunting but beautiful. As I step out of the dark tunnel my eyes are greeted by an angel floating above a fountain. The steps to the fountain are crowded as a band of guitarists entertain the people out on this perfect spring day.

Boats are gently floating on the dam as one or two rowers lazily drag their fingers through the cold water. Parts of the lawn are dotted with tiny white flowers breaking the monotony of the green. Under some trees a boom box announces the break dancers routine and the crowds clap in unison to the beat and whoop their satisfaction at the entertainment. Along another drag the Rollerblades and skaters are showing off skills around cones carefully placed in rows.

Every lush space has a couple or a family enjoying the sun, playing ball games or climbing the rocks. The paths are filled with cyclists, walkers and runners all enjoying the fresh air, yet they are in the centre of a large and vast city. Tennis courts, baseball fields, general ball game fields, they didn’t miss anything. Even a zoo, which I didn’t visit. And it is so well utilised, it really is an incredible place. Every city needs some green lungs to generate and support the city dweller’s quality of life.

Ending the day in a park is special, seeing the sun set over the Manhattan skyline with Brooklyn Bridge bolted on is incredible. First walk the Brooklyn Heights Promenade with the local runners and bench warming readers. The houses are bright bricked and perfectly parallel to the line of the river. Then complete the park circuit with a stop at Brooklyn Bridge Park with an ice-cream dripping onto your shoes as you are mesmerised by the sun dipping between two buildings.