On our walking portion of the day, we like to stroll (briskly) through the Public Gardens. It's always a delight, what with the swans and homeless people and all. I like to gaze at the flora and fauna, so imagine my surprise when I saw this. In a public park.
Can you read that? It says "Please keep off the lawn." In a park. A park for the public's enjoyment.
I don't know about you, but I always thought one of the joys of a public park is playing on the grass. I have fond childhood memories of picnic dinners at parks. Sitting on the grass. Rolling down hills. Playing a little 'bee. Frolicking barefoot to feel the heavenly sensation of cool, green grass between my toes. Spinning until I collapse to be one with the Earth's rotation. Wheeeeee!!!
But the Parks Department here has other plans. It wants our children to stay on the narrow asphalt paths and -- gasp! -- obey the stern signage. Some sections of grass are even sequestered by tiny, foot-high chains. Only toddlers would have a problem getting around those.
Whenever I see a closed door or a fence or a sing saying "No," I am compelled to investigate. I'm like a cat in that regard. Have you ever noticed that cats are desperate to be on the other side of a closed door? And then of course when it sees there is nothing of feline interest, it gives you a dirty look for tricking it and saunters out. Hoodles, I digress. If I see a locked door with a sign saying "Keep out," you better believe I'm going in. And you can probably guess how I feel about signs telling me to stay off the grass -- especially when teeny fences are involved!
So kids, it's time for a little civil disobedience. Consider it your history lesson for the day. Step over the fence. Walk on the grass (how do you think I got the photo of the sign?). Hell, roll on it for all I care. Go on, break this silly rule! Parks are for enjoying. Olmstead would have wanted it that way.
~April
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