Or…There may be wildlife but no dinosaurs.
!
When my 11 year old granddaughter told me, as we were sitting on a bench by the Central Park Zoo watching the animated dinosaur scare some kids, that she was on her school’s softball team and the games would be played on Randall’s Island… I said, “Randall’s Island Park! I love that place.”
Now just so you understand my reaction. I had seen the sign for Randall’s Island many times as I crossed over the RFK Bridge (formerly Triboro) in and out of the City. I was curious about what it was, but that was the extent of my curiosity. Then a few years ago my son told me that his daughter’s soccer team was playing there and did I want to go. Of course, to see her play, cheer on her team and to find out what Randall’s was all about. I was impressed as soon as we arrived. Little kids, big kids, adults in their team uniforms playing in fields all over the place. I didn’t know on that first visit the scope of the Park. It took multiple trips to really grasp it all.
The place is incredible. There are over 60 athletic fields for soccer, softball, baseball, football, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby and more. Space for huge concerts, outdoor movie nights, the Icahn Stadium for track and waterfront pathways for walking or biking. To top it off a mini-golf, golf and tennis centers, picnic spots and gardens. See what I mean. If you’ve been there you know what I’m talking about.
If your driving over the bridge, and time allows make the turn onto Randall’s Island. It’s free. Drive around and see this amazing part of the NYC Park system.( See under KAY’S NOTES directions on ways to get there other than by car). Fields are packed on weekends and after school on weekdays for school teams. Watch some fun games. The views are fantastic and if you decide to walk the path along the river with the City in the distance, take photos, views are that good. And notice the pedestrian bridges where people walk or bike from upper Manhattan. Check out the website packed full of info. /https://randallsisland.org/
Something for everyone
Back to our day at Central Park, the forsythias were just starting to show signs of spring. It was the first nice day after days of cold and rain. We had lunch at that little restaurant* by Sheep Meadow and then made our way to the west side. We headed downtown to see two of my other granddaughters. Delicious smells came as soon as the door opened at my son and daughter-in-law’s. They were preparing a wonderful dinner and after all the hugging and kissing, a beautiful glass of pinot noir came my way. A lovely City day by all counts.
LOVE THIS CITY! Dinos and all!
As a special note, if you’re into dinosaurs, Museum of Natural History is the place especially with the addition of the Big Dino. https://www.amnh.org/
KAY’S NOTES
IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT RANDALL’S ISLAND PARK
There are snack bars open during spring and summer with roving carts of hot dogs, snacks and drinks. Yes, of course, restrooms. Except for Icahn Stadium there are very few bleachers or places to sit. Suggest you take a blanket, plus a hat and that good old umbrella just in case. I take my black cashmere cape…but that’s a story for another post..
DIRECTIONS: Easy to get there by car, bus, ferry, walking, biking and shuttle. Some modes, like the ferry and shuttle, operate only during certain events. I suggest you check out the Park’s website. Don’t rely on my directions, more than likely I’d get you lost!
/https://randallsisland.org/
*That little restaurant is part of the Le Pain Quotidien chain, they’re all over the City and I like them. On occasion, I’ll write about some restaurants I’ve been to as to give some info that might be helpful on your travels. This location in the Park is a great place to stop for coffee, lunch, a glass of wine. Food is good, staff is nice and has table service and to-go options. Tables are all outside and people watching is primo! If you’re walking your dog, dogs are definitely welcome.
Photos: Courtesy of Randall’s Island Park website, the dinosaur and forsythia photos by my granddaughter.
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
The Museum of Natural History is a few blocks away and could be considered after brunch to walk off the biscuits, fried chicken, gravy, cheese grits and the fried Oreos.
down the street from my apt. I sat at the bar and ordered an old fashioned and, of course, fries. A couple came in and sat next to me. I smiled and then went back to cursing Will Shortz. (you know, the editor of the NY Times crossword) as I worked on that day’s puzzle. “Excuse me,” I heard and turned to look at the two next to me. She asked, “Do you know the best way to get to the Metropolitan Opera?” It was so hard not to say, “Practice, practice,practice.” But, no, I didn’t. Their question started a conversation about The Met opera and The Met museum. Then some goodbyes and off they went to Lincoln Center and “Aida”. There you have it… a nice place, good drink, bar conversation, fries and home. That’s what I’m talking about!
construction around. “Hamilton” was the bar conversation one afternoon, when I heard the woman next to me say to the fellow next to her, incredulously “You’ve seen Hamilton how many times?” He laughed and said, “Six.” “How did you manage that?”, she asked. Now all our eyes were focused on this lucky guy. He gave an answer that wasn’t a surprise.”I have a friend who has a friend who knows somebody.” We laughed. I had to go, but I heard this comment as I left, smiling. “I didn’t think you had any friends.”
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