Skip to main content

True Tales From Parks and Recreation - Escalator on Swings?

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.

Here is an e-mail I received that was simply mind boggling. This one not only touches on the skeptical intelligence of our society, but was an indictment of where our country has gone, and where it is headed. Yes, this e-mail is entirely true.


Hi, 
I would like to bring to focus the new playground for the community down at Pier --. While it is very modern, it lacks accommodating the needs for everyone. My child who happens to be plus-sized, is not able to climb the ladder. I think in a world where children are disabled because of their natural sizes, you should consider electronic elevation, ramps, or even a mechanical riser. With the world today, maybe even an escalator, as kids these days should not be allowed to climb various things that are harmful, and potentially fatal. 
I know it costs money to make these changes, but think about all of the kids you will be make happy. 
I look forward to your response, as I plan on stopping by with a formal proposal for further improvements throughout the park, including the Pier -- water park, and some of your tourist areas. 
Thank you. 

Once again, yes this lady was very, very serious in her request. She wants to accommodate, for lack of a better term, overweight kids.

Needless to say, no one has returned her written proposal. Not the mayor's office. Not the park. Not even reasonable parents and civilians throughout the city.

You have to just laugh at "disabled because of their natural sizes".

An escalator on a slide?

What has this world become?

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Man Love

"A man is only loved under the condition that he provide something"  - Chris Rock  Feeling that these days,  with the understanding  of privilege,  and responsibility. 

The Pondering 10 - Wrestling Roster Moves (2024)

2024 was a great year for pro wrestling. So many things are going on, and so many options for whatever you enjoy. For me, pro wrestling felt fun again, especially as my son is now all about the special art form as well.  As 2024 comes to a close, and I begin placing together the traditional posts in the "Most Fascinating Things" and the "Year in Review", I felt it would be fun to drop a new Pondering 10.  In this one, I take a look at the overall landscape of pro wrestling, and fantasy move a wrestler to another company. Again, this is my list. For all of the company tribalists, don't come at me! All in fun!  With that said, here is my Pondering 10:  10. Jonathan Gresham to NWA Gresham's style is unmatched. The dude is old-school and can make technical wrestling look like a modern science happening right before your eyes in storytelling. NWA is still grasping to establish that identity in the landscape by catering to the "old-style" presentation co...

AEW Full Gear 2024 Review: "the potential that resides in this company"

I attended my first AEW show in Full Gear 2024, as the event made its way to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event was even more special as it was the very first live wrestling event for my son who has very much caught the wrestling bug. One would think being around my interests would be the spark, but I genuinely believe he understands the beauty and magic that is pro wrestling. All of it is evident in his "universe" within his wrestling action figures and his constant intrigue in searching throughout Peacock and TNA+.  All of that to say, neither of us are big AEW viewers. Yes, I have my gripes with the company which I'll share. Also, AEW isn't the most suitable for a six-year-old to watch, so there's that. As a dad, I appreciate WWE and TNA's approach to their product. It doesn't have to be PG, but feeling comfortable leaving my son in front of your product unattended is a big plus. Again, more on this... Back to AEW Full Gear, it was a...