Greener Fields

The strong scent of pine tree mixed with a distant smell of barbeque creates a truly American auroma. The luscious space- filled with lively green during spring, glowing with bright orange during fall, silent with a plain brown during winter- has been what I have seen when I look out of my window for the last five years. Bond Park has been, for me, a place of relaxation and recreation, as well as an example of American culture. Named after a city congressman, it is separated into three sections by a small, rocky path: a small amount of trees surrounding an open dog-running space dominate the south side of the park; a vast, open area, centered by a soccer field and a basketball court is on the northern edge; the east part of the part has a small playground shaded by large trees. This park is located in a typical American suburb: modest houses surround it as the distant hum of the highway can only be heard by a listening ear. Other sounds are more distinct: the laughter and shouts of children, the swaying of trees by the gentle wind, and the barking of dogs running with their owners is a symphony to the ears.
Much of American life is demonstrated in these 4 acres. No part of the park remains untouched by humans: every corner has mowed on, sprayed with herbicides, or planted upon. Trees line up along the borders of the small paths, each ten paces apart. Park benches are found in abundance in this park, and this provides a great variety of places to rest. However, more astonishing, is the variety of people that visit this tiny park. Just viewing the park throughout the day provides a good image of the typical journey through life for many Americans: young infants scream excitedly as they speed down the slide, elementary school kids play basketball and soccer, teenagers and young adults often party during the night, mid-aged Americans take care of their young and dogs, and the elderly stroll through the park, looking and reflecting on the beauty. However, the most notable thing about all of these age groups is that they are all smiling, enjoying life by seeing the beauty in it.
This park not only serves as a place for the natural wonders of the world to thrive, but it also acts as a natural gathering place for the community. Soccer moms talk over Starbucks coffee as they watch their children create a blur of red and blue on the soccer field. Small families gather in picnics and reunions around picnic tables and the playground. Larger children gather on the basketball courts as dog-lovers converse while walking their dogs. Though no infrastructure has been laid on this small space, it is still a shelter for the community, a way to express their freedom. Parks are, essentially, a way to immerse in nature in a way that the entire family can enjoy: Bond Park’s small size and diverse activities provide the perfect setting for bonding and an overall good time.
Bond Park has provided me with great joy over the years that I have lived near it. Living so close, it has always been a type of escape for me; it has allowed me a place to relax, think, and play sports with my brothers. Many memories come to mind when I think of Bond Park; however, none can overpower the feeling of joy I get from relaxing and reading and playing and running and watching and reenergizing every time I go there. However, some major points in my life happened there. My first experience with major injury happened when my brother, with his new bike, crashed, and hit his head upon a concrete bench, splitting it open like a watermelon, teaching me the value of safety. On another occasion, I suffered a concussion while playing soccer. Many positive memories also happened there. On my tenth birthday, I held the “Daniolympics”, where my friends and I competed for “medals” by participating in various activities. One summer, I learned the meaning and difficulty of hard work when I spent hours everyday trying to perfect my free throw. Bee stings, celebrations, parties, football, and “Monkey on the Ground” are just some of the memories I have collected over the years. Whatever I am doing, Bond Park is always a place to escape from the often complex and overwhelming world; it is also a place to release my mind without criticism or disapproval.
Parks are the cornerstone to our enjoyment: they put one in a positive situation, where they will feel relaxed no matter what stress has been handed to them. The same effect takes place on me when I go to this sanctuary-like place: my stress is relieved in the fun and relaxation. So, it could be said, “Veni. Vidi. Frui” (I came. I saw. I enjoyed).

-- Daniel C.