Skip to main content

True Tales From Parks and Recreation - Is This Thing On?


Note: I used to work for a park slowly in continued development in Manhattan that is five miles along the waterfront of the Hudson River. As a Public Programs Coordinator, yours truly handled anything public related in regards to permitting (athletic facilities, film shoots, photo shoots, weddings, and other small gatherings), and of course, dealing with any questions or inquiries from the public. The following series will present stories, e-mails, phone calls, conversations, interactions, and sights I've seen from the people of New York City in regards to a public park. And yes, these are all real! And are all true!

Welcome to another little snippet of Parks and Recreation.

Similar to most public places, the park expanded and upgraded it's technology in the park to provide wi-fii service. The service is free, and pretty much standard as you simply connect, accept the conditions, and browse away. However, with any outdoor wi-fii service, there are hot spots designated for use. Of course, these spots are made known by signage.

The following Tale is an e-mail sent in by park patron who "apparently" had issues with the service. 


"Are you aware that no one can access your alleged wireless internet? I and many others have tried from many locations including right next to Pier --, and there is no signal. Is there some unknown procedure for connecting that I don't know about? My computer connects just fine anywhere else, so the problem is not there.
- Sent from a park lover using your wif fii service in the wi-fii area"

Yes, if you had to read that twice, don't worry, you read it correctly the first time. This person just used the wireless service to send an e-mail from their laptop complaining that they could not log on to the wireless service. 

Not sure what they wanted us to do, but that pretty much wraps up the general public in a nutshell. 

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Friends With Kids (2011)

What is it about?  Two friends decide to have a child together without all of the strings attached of romantic emotion to avoid the changes that children can have on a relationship.  Who is in it?  Jennifer Westfeldt - Julie Keller Adam Scott - Jason Fryman

Trying to Stay Mellow on Melo and his "Brand"

(Courtesy: NYTimes/Richard Perry) Alright, fire up the rant machine after this one folks.  "What's understood doesn't need to be spoken upon" #DestiNY #TheFutureIsNow — Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) June 26, 2015 Carmelo Anthony really hasn't been winning any points with me lately. None. I've been indifferent on him even as the years have gone on and the Knicks fanbase continues to split on supporting him. Lately, I've been creeping over to the negative side. For me, a big deciding factor was when he decided to play in the Knicks game in London and in the meaningless All-Star Game to continue "building his brand", and thus delaying his needed knee surgery to the point of affecting his return for this upcoming 15-16 season.