CELEBRATE YOUR CITY!
The Fourth of July is almost here, and Parks & Recreation is ready with plenty of activities to help you enjoy the holiday weekend. Whether you’re looking for something musical, educational, or kid-oriented, your neighborhood park is the place to be. This is just a sample of the many events offered. For a full schedule, visit www.nyc.gov/parks or call 311.
Bronx
Treat your eyes, nose, and ears at Van Cortlandt Park this Saturday, with the help of the Urban Park Rangers. Enjoy the sights and smells of summer flowers during a free walk along the Cass Gallagher trail. Then, head over to Rockwood Drive to listen to the Bronx Arts Ensemble. The walk begins at 11 a.m. Enter the park at 246th Street and Broadway.
Brooklyn
For those who think one day is not enough to honor America’s birth, Prospect Park is hosting special exhibits all weekend long. Visit the Audubon Center to see the Eagle as Icon exhibit. Learn more about the symbolism of this majestic bird and its connection with our national identity. Kids can go to the Lefferts Historic House for Celebrations of Liberty, where they will be able to personally sign replicas of the Declaration of Independence. Quill pens and plumed paper hats will be available to visitors. Both free exhibits will run from July 1-4.
Manhattan
Not only is the anniversary of our nation’s birth coming up, but so is the 200th anniversary of legendary storyteller Hans Christian Andersen’s birth. No matter the weather, parents can take their kids (ages 5 and up) to Central Park to hear some wonderful tales. Almost All Andersen: Storytelling 2005 is free, every Saturday, from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at the Hans Christian Andersen sculpture at 74th Street near 5th Avenue. The program is co-sponsored by Parks & Recreation and the Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Committee.
Staten Island
Those who like extreme sports should visit Benjamin Sotto Skate Park on July 3 for a bike competition for beginners, amateurs, and pros. The music of A Dying Promise, Shoebox in a Blanket, Monty Love, Quantas Never Crashed, and Budos will accompany the action. The event starts at 8:00 a.m. and finishes at 8:00 p.m., with beginners at 10:00 a.m., amateurs at 11:20 a.m., and pros at 1:20 p.m. The competition ends with an awesome Best Trick contest at 6:50 p.m. Prizes will be awarded.
Queens
If you can’t wait for your fireworks fix, get it three days early in Astoria Park. On Friday, July 1, take in a free outdoor concert and fireworks, thanks to the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition. Swing the night away with Joe Battaglia and the New York Big Band and doo-wop it up with Lenny Coco and the Chimes. Then, watch as multi-colored explosions streak across the sky. The event will run from 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., with the fireworks starting at 9:00 p.m. It will take place by Shore Boulevard, between Hell Gate Bridge and Astoria Pool.
QUOTATION FOR THE DAY
"Solitude is independence."
Herman Hesse
(1877-1962)