Kaity Tong
8:36PM | June 1, 2009 | comments: 3041

Sunday in the Park with Kaity

Haven’t stepped foot in Central Park for almost a decade. Used to go there almost daily when I lived on the Upper West Side, and my boy was small. We both loved the Park. But once I moved downtown, it seemed like quite a trek. To be honest, as any Manhattanite will tell you, if you live below 23rd street, you think twice about going uptown, unless you absolutely have to. Same for visiting friends, even close friends. If you live on the West side, and they live on the East, you have to think twice. Oh, do we have to go all the way over THERE??!! I know they’re our BEST friends, and Ron did donate his kidney to you, but still………whine, whine, whine.

You know what I’m talking about!

We ended up spending more time along the Hudson, Battery Park, Madison Square Park...all very nice, but they're not Central Park!

Anyway, went to the Park yesterday, and it all came back to me. Sitting in Sheep Meadow on a blanket, with my son when he was just an infant, lying on my back and holding him up in the air, watching him smile at me. Trying to teach him to ride a bike on the beautiful wide concourse that ends in that big space in front of the bandshell. Yesterday that space was jammed with kids and quite a few fully grown people, showing off their mad skills on skateboards.

Tossing Frisbees and softballs, eating ice cream, climbing the flat rocks, dabbling our fingers in Bethesda Fountain, maybe tossing in a coin and making a wish, renting a canoe for a row on the lake, going down the slides with him or pushing him in a swing at one of the myriad playgrounds….those are just a fraction of the memories I hold of Sundays in the Park with my boy.

I was a single mother for several years. And nearly all my free time, on weekend, was for him. If we weren’t in the Park, we were on the Intrepid, or at the Museum of Natural History. My son was crazy about those three places, and it was tough getting him to change it up a bit. But I didn’t mind. He could visit that aircraft carrier a thousand times, and I think he did, and never get tired of it.

Okay, I’m rambling again. Back to Central Park. Sheep Meadow, yesterday afternoon, dense with bodies! Except for a small area where young men in great shape, shirtless and tanned, (okay, a couple of them were pasty), were throwing a Frisbee around, you could hardly see a patch of grass, it was THAT crowded.

Over by Belvedere Fountain, a huge, delighted crowd gathered to watch 3 young men, who call themselves The Afrobats, put on a jaw-dropping performance. They had a show that was choreographed, slick, and entertaining. It was only when they started passing around giant bags, for donations, that a few in the crowd wandered away.

I have a soft spot for performers like these. They were doing spectacular flips and tumbles, telling jokes in unison, ribbing the crowd…they deserved to get money! And many people gave, some generously. For their final act, they picked 4 people from the audience, had them bend over side by side, and did a heart-in-your-mouth jump over them, with a flip in the air thrown in.

And all this was on CONCRETE! One false move.....! Now that I think about it, one of the three was wearing a cast.

At the end of the show, they announced they are on an Optimum commercial! Haven’t seen that one yet. I wish them well.

Strolling from the west side of the Park, past the fountain and the Boathouse Restaurant (again, jammed), to the place where people race sailboats by remote control. One of my favorite scenes from that wonderful book, Stuart Little, my son’s also.

A light drizzle began as I sat near Alice in Wonderland, just taking it all in, people- watching, reminiscing. I didn’t want to leave, even though I was getting progressively wetter. Finally, reluctantly, walked out of the park at 72nd and tried to hail a cab. Seemed like everyone else had the same idea.

Bookmark and Share


Comments: 3041

Posted by Maria at June 1, 2009 10:12 PM

Hey Kaity, Your memories of spending time with your son in Central Park transported me to the days I've spent there with my family. What an oasis the Park can be -- it's like another world right there in the City. In today's hectic and high tech world, we foolishly don't take time to enjoy such simple but precious pleasures.

Single or troupes of performers were fun to watch too. Thanks for taking me there again without
having to leave my home!

Posted by kman at June 1, 2009 10:23 PM

Did you go by yourself?

Posted by chuck at June 1, 2009 10:26 PM

You have the soul of great poetic beauty!(,..and "humor!").

Posted by Jenny at June 1, 2009 11:05 PM

I also spent the weekend in Central Park. Although I don't necessarily know where I am in the park, as far as names go, I always enjoy my time there. On Saturday, I ventured into the North End of the park and sat in the garden at nd Street? This persistent bee finally drove me away from the garden to the fountain and then to the Harlem Meer. On my way back home, I walked along 5th avenue and enjoyed my histoy lesson, as I walked by the Terrence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center and the Museum of the City of NY and and some other buildings that were gorgeous of which I don't recall the names.

My friend told me that Japan day was going on in the park on Sunday and encouraged me to join him. We walked around a bit and enjoyed some free food and music, until he got a call from his friend and went to look for him. I sat in the grass enjoying the sun, the music and people watching. In the end we spent a good 30 minutes looking for each other and even with cell phones, we couldn't find each other. It was still a nice day in a wonderful park, even though it was very crowded.
My personal favorite park is Riverside Park as my earliest childhood memories are from there. However, Central Park is much closer to me.


Posted by diedonce at June 1, 2009 11:05 PM

Your memories are wonderful. To bad I did not know you were going. Some wine and cheese makes a day in the park on the lawn very beautiful. I will bring the wine and cheese. next time you just bring you.

Posted by mc in PA at June 1, 2009 11:29 PM

It was a beautiful day and sounds like you spent it in a perfect way ! I always love the street entertainers and think they are very exciting. Your memories are lovely--I hope you sent a copy of this blog to your son :)

Posted by marc at June 2, 2009 6:51 AM

You paint a moving vignette. Central Park is definitely one of the great wonders of the world - the fact that it came to be esconced in the midst of this city is a miracle. Impromptu trivia question - how many movies can you list with Central Park playing either a cameo or pivotal role?

Posted by Please Investigate at June 2, 2009 11:17 AM

I don't know how to report this but I believe public schools P.S. 11 and P.S. 126 in the bronx are hiding cases of Swine Flu...Please investigate.....

Posted by David B. at June 2, 2009 1:22 PM

Hi Kaity,

I just want to say thanks for being a real comfortable person. Your day in the park sounded great and your right about traveling from one part of town to another. It does seem like a lot to go through. I live in Brooklyn and I just want to extend an invite to you and your family to come visit Brooklyn's Prospect Park. It's a really great park and you get a chance to feel the flavor of Brooklyn.

Keep up the good work!

Posted by Jenny at June 2, 2009 1:46 PM

Marc - Central Park was designed and place purposefully in the middle of the city - it was meant to be an oasis to the citygoers

Posted by sarah at June 2, 2009 2:23 PM

Kaity,
I really enjoy knowing about the books you (Nancy Drew series) and your son (Stuart Little) enjoy.

Your love of reading must have somehow translated into the ability to report the news so skillfully--of course, there are a number of skills involved in doing what you do so well!

What other books would you recommend?
For adults, or children?
Can't wait to read your next blog, please keep
blogging!
Sarah

Posted by Rae Shao-Lan Blum at June 2, 2009 2:36 PM

Dear Kaity,

I am the daughter of Eva, who you will be interviewing about needing a bone marrow transplant.

I was so excited when I called my mom up yesterday and she said, "Guess who called me? Kaity Tong!" My father had been trying to connect with an Asian-American public figure for several weeks, so I sort of knew there was a possiblity, but it was still a nice big surprise. I remember watching you on the news when I lived on the East coast!

I'm writing from Los Angeles. I've lived here for the past four years, but I'm planning to move back East at the end of the month to be closer to my mom and help my parents out where I can. Unfortunately, I won't be back in time to be there for the interview. But please let me know if I can provide any information via e-mail.

On another note, I read your blog entry from yesterday... When my parent's first came back from Taiwan, where they met and married, they lived near Columbia University. My mom would often take my older brother to Morningside Park during the day. I came along later, but I remember our trips to The Natural History Museum, Central Park and The Intreped too! Weird how a Battle Ship becomes a fun family attraction!

Thank you for doing a story on my mom. I know looking forward to it has really lifted her and my dad's spirits and given then a lot of hope.

FYI, on June 13th I'm doing a bone marrow donor drive out here with Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (A3M) -its a branch of the National Marrow Donor Program. Maybe they can help us organize one on the East coast after you broadcast my mom's story?

Thanks again,

Rae

Posted by Joe at June 2, 2009 4:59 PM

It reminded me of how much I love to walk in Cenral Park

Posted by Joe at June 2, 2009 4:59 PM

It reminded me of how much I love to walk in Cenral Park

Posted by kathy at June 2, 2009 8:06 PM

Wow, Kaity, who could have guessed that a blog and your efforts might just save a life!

Rae, I wish your Mom the best and hope collective efforts will result in finding a donor. Keep us
posted!

Posted by Kaity Fan at June 2, 2009 11:22 PM

Everytime I read your blog I become a bigger and bigger fan. First, I am heading to the Park this coming weekend. It's been a long time for me also but you remind me how inviting the greenery is and charming the people and surroundings are. Thanks for being you!

Posted by Nash at June 3, 2009 2:02 AM

14. Hi Kaity,

Central Park is a breath of fresh air. As a matter of fact, the entire Manhattan is a breath of fresh air!!!

Posted by EddieN at June 3, 2009 3:46 PM

Nash, maybe you and I have different definitions for "fresh air" because I can show you many parts of Manhattan where that is in short supply! :)

eGw6C8

eGw6C8

JCzo8T

JCzo8T

Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.

Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.

It is the coolest site, keep so!

It is the coolest site, keep so!

Perfect work!

Perfect work!

Perfect site, i like it!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Perfect site, i like it!

Great site. Good info.

qPI6qr Incredible site!

V8BfZD Perfect site, i like it!

V8BfZD Perfect site, i like it!

It is the coolest site, keep so!

It is the coolest site, keep so!

Beautiful site!

Perfect site, i like it!

Perfect site, i like it!

I bookmarked this link. Thank you for good job!

Great. Now i can say thank you!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

I bookmarked this link. Thank you for good job!

Great site. Good info.

Perfect site, i like it!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right.

I bookmarked this link. Thank you for good job!

Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right.

Very nice site!

Perfect site, i like it!

I want to say - thank you for this!

Perfect site, i like it!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

It is the coolest site, keep so!

Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.

Great work, webmaster, nice design!

Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right.

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right.

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 9:05 AM

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right
buy , buy , , , ,

Great work, webmaster, nice design!

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 9:23 AM

Beautiful site!
online, cheap , , , ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 9:38 AM

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!
, , , , buy ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 9:53 AM

Nice site! Thank you!
, , , , ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 10:09 AM

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right
, , buy , , ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 10:25 AM

I want to say - thank you for this!
buy , , , , buy ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 10:40 AM

It is the coolest site,keep so!
, , , , online,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 10:55 AM

Great work,webmaster,nice design!
, , , , ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 11:10 AM

It is the coolest site,keep so!
, , buy , , ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 11:26 AM

Incredible site!
cheap , , , , ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 11:41 AM

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!
buy , , , , ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 11:56 AM

Perfect site, i like it!
, , buy , , buy ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 12:27 PM

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!
, , , , cheap ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 12:41 PM

Beautiful site!
, , , , ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 12:56 PM

Perfect work!
buy , , , , ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 1:11 PM

Great site. Keep doing.
, , buy , , ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 1:26 PM

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right
, , , , ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 1:41 PM

It is the coolest site,keep so!
cheap , , buy , , ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 1:55 PM

Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.
, , , , ,

Posted by John542 at August 14, 2009 2:11 PM

I bookmarked this guestbook. Thank you for good job!
online, , cheap , , ,

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

I want to say - thank you for this!

I want to say - thank you for this!

Perfect site, i like it!

Perfect site, i like it!

It is the coolest site, keep so!

Great. Now i can say thank you!

I bookmarked this link. Thank you for good job!

I bookmarked this link. Thank you for good job!

Great work, webmaster, nice design!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Great site. Good info.

Great site. Good info.

Incredible site!

Beautiful site!

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right.

I bookmarked this link. Thank you for good job!

Incredible site!

Great. Now i can say thank you!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Perfect work!

Great site. Good info.

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right.

I want to say - thank you for this!

I want to say - thank you for this!

Perfect site, i like it!

It is the coolest site, keep so!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Great site. Keep doing.

I want to say - thank you for this!

Great work, webmaster, nice design!

I want to say - thank you for this!

Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.

Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.

Perfect work!

It is the coolest site,keep so!

Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.

Beautiful site!

Great site. Keep doing.

Perfect site, i like it!

Perfect work!

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right

Great site. Keep doing.

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Incredible site!

Incredible site!

Great site. Keep doing.

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right

Incredible site!

Great site. Keep doing.

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right

It is the coolest site,keep so!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

I bookmarked this guestbook. Thank you for good job!

Great site. Keep doing.

Great site. Keep doing.

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right

Incredible site!

Great work,webmaster,nice design!

Great site. Good info

Beautiful site!

Beautiful site!

Great .Now i can say thank you!

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right

Great site. Good info

Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Great work,webmaster,nice design!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Perfect work!

I want to say - thank you for this!

Perfect site, i like it!

Great site. Good info

Great .Now i can say thank you!

Perfect site, i like it!

Great site. Good info

I bookmarked this guestbook. Thank you for good job!

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right

Nice site! Thank you!

Very nice site! cheap viagra

Very nice site!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

I want to say - thank you for this!

Beautiful site!

Incredible site!

Perfect site, i like it!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Great work,webmaster,nice design!

It is the coolest site,keep so!

I want to say - thank you for this!

Perfect work!

It is the coolest site,keep so!

Nice site! Thank you!

Perfect work!

Great site. Good info

Great work,webmaster,nice design!

Great .Now i can say thank you!

Great .Now i can say thank you!

Great work,webmaster,nice design!

Incredible site!

I want to say - thank you for this!

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right

Beautiful site!

Great site. Good info

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right

It is the coolest site,keep so!

Great site. Keep doing.

Great .Now i can say thank you!

Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.

It is the coolest site,keep so!

Great .Now i can say thank you!

Beautiful site!

Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Great work,webmaster,nice design!

I bookmarked this guestbook. Thank you for good job!

Beautiful site!

It is the coolest site,keep so!

Perfect site, i like it!

Incredible site!

Beautiful site!

Perfect work!

I want to say - thank you for this!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Very nice site! cheap viagra

Very nice site!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Great. Now i can say thank you!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

I bookmarked this link. Thank you for good job!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Perfect work!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Great work, webmaster, nice design!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

I bookmarked this link. Thank you for good job!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Great. Now i can say thank you!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Incredible site!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

I want to say - thank you for this!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

I bookmarked this link. Thank you for good job!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

I want to say - thank you for this!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Great. Now i can say thank you!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!

Hello!