Welcome to my weekend flashback series where I go back a decade and change and take a look at some of the Newspaper articles I wrote for the Syracuse Herald Journal when I was a teen.

Just Playing Around

I consider myself a deprived child.

All through my elementary years , the only place I could hang out, besides my own back yard, was Lakeland Park.  It consisted of a swing set, a slide and some wooden thing I believe was used to play house.

Other than that, there was Lakeland Elementary.  Oh, yeah, THAT WAS ENTERTAINING!

In my day, we had a slide, a swing set and yet ANOTHER wooden contraption, but this one had a steering wheel.  Oh, let’s not forget the tires to run through, and these metal bars, that looked like a bike rack without the little bars running through it.  There was used to do flips (more on that later).

So obviously, in those days, the only thing I had to amuse myself was my friend Stef, who helped devise mischievous schemes for us.  For instance, we used to believe the Special Olympics was for really great people.  So, of course, we made it a point to tell people we were tennis champions in the Special Olympics.

It’s because of those days that I began searching for the ideal playground.  As far back as four years ago, I remember asking my ex-boyfriend to take me somewhere cool.  He did.  I must say, it was pretty special.  I take my current boyfriend there now.

I like to call it the “playground from hell,” named by the one who first introduced it to me.  It’s at the elementary next to Baker High.  It’s this huge wooden contraption with bridges and crawl spaces, pulleys and swings.

…I am still amazed.

Also, if you like to spin, go to Shove Park.  Whew!  They have this one of two person merry go round that if you lean at just the right angle, makes you feel like you’re never going to get off.

And at Solvay Elementary, that’s a kick.  It’s like a life size Fischer Price for big kids.  Big, colorful and plastic.  There are slides and levers and pulleys that carry you across from one level to the next. No matter where I do, the search continues.

I remember once while driving down the street in Lee, Massachusetts. at around midnight I KNOW I saw the playground of my dreams, but when I made my friend Dave turn around and go back it was no where to be found.

On Wellesley Island in the 1000 islands, you’ll find a simple playground with a twist; it’s got these little “condos,” as we like to call them.  There are five or six wooden circular buildings with stone walls where you can hang out and chat with your friends.

Of all of the places I’ve been, and all of the many, many playgrounds I’ve seen, I know I’ll always have my little heaven at Lakeland park. The only swing you’ll find me on there is the first one on the left, coming form the parking lot, facing the pavilions.

In my search for the ideal playground, I’ve learned to appreciate the “little things.” Go to the park and head for the larger of the pavilions.  Look at the tables and you shall see the marks left by my friends and myself reading, “Look and you shall observe.”

Although I had meant to tell you of my incidents on the flippy-thing at Lakeland Elementary, I decided that’s a memory best kept to myself.  Besides, I’m almost out of room.

As a matter of fact, I am out of room! At least you know now that movies aren’t my only hobby.

If you’ve been to any parks that you find exhilerating in any way, write to hj and let them know, so they can send me to check it out.  And DON’T say Disneyland.

I’m looking for the untimate playground and I hope you can help me get there.

**Okay!  I think I am hilarious.  I’m still interested in playgrounds, but now for my kids instead of myself.  If you know of a good one, leave me a comment and let me know.  Maybe I’ll happen by someday!

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