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.
As we all embark on our resolutions which likely include doing something more, or completely quitting another, this person who recently gave up the bad habit of smoking felt the need to begin a war on their former lifestyle. The following is an e-mail that I received in the early stages of 2011:
I love the pier, but something needs to be done about the smokers. I recently quit smoking four days ago as I realized and saw the filth in the precious oxygen we breath which I was contributing to. Noone [sic] is fined for doing so and smokers are ruining the scenery and air, as always. Please address this problem before it gets too out of hand. Don't allow the smokers to ruin it for us fresh air, nature enthusiasts. I love air, and you should too! Thank you.
What a quick turnaround, huh? From avid smoker to nature enthusiast. You just have to love the fact that the public expects the government to take action on all of their beliefs. And lastly, as human beings, aren't we all big fans and "enthusiasts" of air?
Yay! Go oxygen.