When pandemic New York seemed at its most surreal, the park, with its abundant wildlife and familiar progression of the seasons, offered a vision of normal life to a book critic who wandered it daily. Source: New York Times
Posts published in “Parks and Other Recreation Areas”
Twitter Is Turning Birds Into Celebrities and Birders Against One Another
By Gotham Rex on February 15, 2021
A Twitter account helped spread the word about rare birds in New York City, but publicizing their locations exposed a rift among birders. Source: New York Times
Springsteen ‘Visibly Swaying’ Before Drunken-Driving Arrest, Police Say
By Gotham Rex on February 11, 2021
Bruce Springsteen refused to provide a preliminary breath test, according to a National Park Service officer who said he watched the musician drink a shot of tequila. Source: New York Times
Napoleon’s Brother Lived in N.J. Here’s What Happened to the Estate.
By Gotham Rex on January 31, 2021
The site in Bordentown once harbored Joseph Bonaparte, a former king. A new partnership has ensured that its history won’t be forgotten. Source: New York Times
Snowy Owl Is Spotted in Central Park, for First Time in 130 Years
By Gotham Rex on January 28, 2021
The hordes came running and the snow-white raptor became the latest celebrity bird of Manhattan. Source: New York Times
$60 Million High Line Expansion to Connect Park to Moynihan Train Hall
By Gotham Rex on January 11, 2021
Gov. Andrew Cuomo will propose a 1,200-foot elevated pathway that will lead to the new Penn Station development, to be financed by public and private funds. Source: New York Times
In Brooklyn, Grand Army Plaza Gets an Intervention
By Gotham Rex on November 20, 2020
The Memorial Arch, a granite monument to soldiers and sailors in the plaza, is about to get desperately needed restoration work. Source: New York Times
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Turns Over a New Leaf
By Gotham Rex on October 22, 2020
A wild meadow and woodland ‘ruin’ are now on exuberant display. The new, ecologically minded garden boasts shaggy clouds of vegetation. Source: New York Times
Here are the Best Animal Livestreams
By Gotham Rex on October 3, 2020
Research shows that watching footage of them can make you happier, so here’s a list of round-the-clock camera footage that will bring koalas, penguins and puppies straight to your screen. Source: New York Times
At the End of the New Pier 26, a Surprise
By Gotham Rex on September 30, 2020
This environmentally themed project features an unusual design, including soaring walkways that lead to an unexpected destination. Source: New York Times
This Way to Chloë Bass’s Outdoor Art Show
By Gotham Rex on September 1, 2020
The artist’s exhibition in St. Nicholas Park, mounted by the Studio Museum in Harlem, revolves around questions like: “How much of life is coping?” Source: New York Times
Live Comedy Is Back in New York! But Outdoors. Is This a Good Thing?
By Gotham Rex on August 27, 2020
The club Stand Up NY is staging 40 shows a week across the city. Performing in parks raises the stakes for comedians and audiences alike. Source: New York Times
For Three Suffragists, a Monument Well Past Due
By Gotham Rex on August 6, 2020
Central Park will soon unveil its first sculpture depicting nonfictional female figures. “The fact that nobody even noticed that women were missing in Central Park — what does that say about the invisibility of women?” Source: New York Times
Stir-Crazy New Yorkers Discovered an Idyllic Spot. Will They Trample It?
By Gotham Rex on July 28, 2020
During the pandemic, people are venturing deeper into the city’s forests, wetlands and grasslands, just as budget cuts threaten the spaces’ upkeep. Source: New York Times
‘I Missed You, Pool’: Children Rejoice as N.Y.C. Public Pools Finally Open
By Gotham Rex on July 24, 2020
At one of the eight pools to reopen, a swimmer almost forgot to remove his mask before making a cannonball jump. So, he placed it on his flip-flops and then — splash. Source: New York Times