#67: Grove Park

The eastern section of Garden City has two parks: Grove Park in the southeast and Hemlock Park in the northeast.

I have to admit that with all the wonderful parks the Village of Garden City has built over the years, my favorite is Grove Park. I grew up on Willow Street around the corner and I “lived” there for years with scores of other children during the “Baby Boom” years.

My friends and I had all sorts of equipment to play on that is different than today’s assortment. We had the “cage swings” where we would sit in the swing and pull on the moving bars to make us swing back and forth. There was a “circus tightrope” made of one-inch thick metal cord. There was a “merry-go-round” we pushed with as many as 20 kids on it at a time. But my favorite piece to play on was the old 1930s or so fire engine that was permanently stationed in the sand when the park was new in the 1950s and 60s.

Rich Anderson, retired New York City teacher and park attendant at Grove, said, “I was a Tullamore Park brat growing up. That’s why I took this job. I love the park!” He reminded children that flag football starts Wednesday but they can come anytime to play.

Alex (14) hangs out at the park with his friend, Nick, also 14. He said, “Everyone loves Rich.”

Nowadays, Grove Park’s playground area appeals to younger children up to 12 years old with new, stronger and brightly colored play equipment.

What’s unique about Grove is that it has a large picnic area where residents can cook and have a nice meal. It also has the most basketball courts of the parks in town, with a total of three. It has the most tennis courts as well, with two. Volleyball courts are only at Grove and Hemlock parks. Good-sized baseball/softball fields and a soccer field round out the park.

Come back next Tuesday at 10 a.m. for reason #66. Click here if you missed reason #68.

Category: Garden City parks and playgrounds

Price: Free

Season: Year-round

Note: Visit www.GardenCityNY.net or call 465-4075