Overflow parking at Monteith Riverpark on Saturday afternoon.
Since Albany’s Monteith Riverpark reopened in July, the new playground and splash pad there have drawn lots of children and their parents every day the weather has been fine.
The playground has proved an immensely popular attraction for kids.
That, anyway, is my impression from going past or through the park on the bike, which I have done dozens of times this summer, most recently on Saturday, this summer’s last day.
Here, take a look:
The playground is meant for little kids, obviously, which means grown-ups have to take them there, usually in car. Parking in the park itself, though, is in short supply.
On Saturday a few drivers parked in the circular entrance plaza of the Riverfront Community Center, which I assume was not what the Waterfront Project designers had in mind.
So if you’re going to take your kid to the Monteith playground before the rains come back this fall, get out the bikes if you have any.
Or if you need to drive, plan on parking a short walk away in the public lot of the Riverfront Community Center along Water Avenue east of the park. (hh)
What did they expect when they took away over 30 parking spaces!
I’m sure CARA/Council members told the park designers that the whole “vibe” and transportation aspect of Water Street was going to change and everyone would be “walking” to the park with their kiddies in tow. So, the designers accommodated our CARA/Council who had their heads in the ummm…splash pad!!! I’m glad people are parking in the circle. What in hell is it for, anyway!!
Hasso: Forgot a couple of things….first, clever that you found a spot for your bike by the trash can…perfect spot, but for only one bike! Also, where are the “Meals on Wheels” volunteers, the few Seniors who still go to the Senior Center (yes, I know it has been christened The Community Center!) supposed to park if their lot is full of cars that brought parents and kiddies to the splash pad?? Most seniors can’t park elsewhere and “hike” a long way to get to “The Senior Center.”
Mary, you really don’t get out much do you? Several times this summer after the park opened the “kiddie splash pad” and playground have been abuzz with activity. I even popped my head into the community center and there were many, many (30? 40?) seniors like yourself who seemed to be enjoying themselves despite the name change. We know you’re anti everything but at least get the facts before spewing the same tired comments?
Hasso lets you stomp on writers, for some reason. You don’t know a thing about me…including my name, my age, my activites…so quit insulting me. I have your name, remember. I asked Hasso how many adults without kids were in the other half of the park
during his last visit. Still waiting to hear…so do not accuse me of not getting the facts.
Who died and made you Emperor of everything, large and small?
Oh, Mary. What I do know about you from how you present here is that you’re often crabby about just about everything, struggle with change, and view a safe, modern playground and “kiddie splash pad” as unnecessary because it’s not something you directly benefit from even though it’s proven to be very popular.
I would posit that the circle is intended as a drop off/pick up zone and the driver would then go park elsewhere. You know like when you take the nanny and kids to the park so you can go shopping and drink a coffee with other mothers.
Oh, yes, nannies…I think you are referring to Central Park in New York City. Not many nannies with kiddies on Water Street in Albany!!!
LOL. wink wink Nod Nod!
Oh Brother….
Sorry to be so wordy today, but I just listened to your video on the new Kiddie Park. You took on critics of the expenditure, so I want to ask you to comment on how many adults (without children in tow) were in the other part of the park that is separate from the kiddie area? I still think it is apropos that I now call the park, The Kiddie Park. The squealing of kids sure takes away the tranquility of the old park…before it became the “Kiddie Park.”
(There are many other city parks in town that could have added a splash pad.)
Hasso rightly points out the very wonderful & positive use of the park. That did NOT happen before – as there was a very-very minimal bit of kids-area at the far west end. I’ll add there’s palpable irony in that comments about so-called lack of parking sure hasn’t bothered all the kids & parents having a fabulous time at their new park! Obviously, they parked somewhere.
Thanks, Ray. You made my day, and I never thought I would say that. You finally admitted it…Monteith Park is now Monteith Kiddie’s Park!! You said, and I quote, “the kids and parents (are) having a fabulous time at ‘their’ new park.”
While people may visit this kiddie park, the big picture for these parks donated to the city was to give people a beautiful park with trees and a natural setting to visit in the city. Parks were designed to get away from artificial attractions to enjoy picnics and quality time with your kiddos. In the past playgrounds were designed with keeping them as much as possible in a more natural way, grass, other organic surfaces such as pebbles or wood chips. We know a woman that works with an orthopedic physician. The office receives an increased income from injuries occurring at skate parks and other parks with concrete or other hard surfaces. She said many of them have also needed dental care as well. She said the physician laughs about how these parks have paid for his nice house, car, vacations and all his expensive toys.
Thanks, Chis J. for the information. And, thanks for the reminder of what parks are for…observing nature in a natural, tranquil setting. And, I also appreciate the truth on the concrete kiddie parks and the injuries incurred in them. Some of us have asked for extended “green” cushioning material at the bottom of the fake hill where it ends at a concrete walk. Of course, it wasn’t difficult, I’m sure, for designers or contractors to dupe the Albany CARA/Council. Anyway, thanks for your true “big picture.”
Ah, Coffee has taken over where Hartman left off a couple of years ago. There always has to be someone who wants to be the star of comments on Hasso’s blog. No need to reply Coffee, Mary or whoever you are. I am just waiting for your candle to blow out here. It’s just entertainment for us to read your comments on Hasso’s private blog. Go to City Hall if you want to complain.