|
Written by Register Staff
|
|
Tuesday, 01 July 2008 |
"Community" ... oh that word! It gets tossed around like the "Do it for the children" expression in the 90s. The word is exploited by many to make a point or a buck, to get what they want, or to portray images that may or may not conform to reality.
Sure, the media, including Register Publications, is as opportunistic as the next guy. Recently, however, I saw community in action through the eyes of a 5-year-old.
Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, my wife, Jenny, and our granddaughter, McKenna, were trying to fit in this and that, but the kid kept insisting we visit "that special playground." For the uninitiated, the Arch Street Park playground in Lawrenceburg is the best in the Tri-State. She knows, believe me.
Argosy Casino, Lawrenceburg leaders, and all the residents in the Arch Street area deserve a shout out for a job well done. This column isn't about comparing one city's playgrounds with another's, so don't go there. This column is about community in action.
We arrived at about 2 p.m., and I had to scratch out a parking spot. The lot was full and most the street parking was taken.
The place was jammed! There were kids and parents throughout the park; black kids, white kids, skinny kids, husky kids. Some moms and dads were reading on benches, others were trying to keep pace with the little people, and some were just taking it easy, watching their kids but doing little else. I had not seen that much action at the park since the days when I rattled the chain nets with my 15-foot jumper.
And no doubt, full-court hoops were the center of attention on the south end of the park. The picnic area there was packed with folks watching some pretty fair action. I lingered but returned to grandpa land were I belonged.
No one was selling ice cream or singing Italian songs. There were no booths, cop dogs, petting zoo, or announcer guy.
Our hats are off to the many organizations that make Dearborn County a grand place through special events. They provide top-notch entertainment, while giving our county character, charm and recognition.
That playground and park, however, provide an atmosphere essential to a community. It's a great place to let the kids burn off energy, have a picnic, or just relax. It also is well patrolled. The police drove by several times during our two-hour adventure.
I suspect the playground, weather permitting, will get as much action this Fourth of July weekend. You might want to check it out. Do it for the children. ... No kidding. |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 03 July 2008 )
|
