Things to Explore in Tapiola Park

May 31, 2009

There's lots for youngsters to climb on and explore in Tapiola Park on the south side of the Astoria hill, but today may not be the day, as it's been either pouring or drizzling for two days. We've had a few exceptionally nice days this season - the rest is rain and overcast skies.

In my last post, I showed the Tot Lot of the playground. In this post, even earlier, I showed someone using the skate park a few yards away, which was made from an old swimming pool.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Flying feet

If I were younger and braver, I think I'd like to feel like this. I did some stunts on a bike that amaze me now to think of them. Still, I don't know if I'd have had the courage. It's amazing to see how easily tennis-shoed kids cling to the boards with their feet, understanding exactly what gravity is going to do with them. In Tapiola Park on the south slope of Astoria, there's a wonderful skateboard arena made from an old public swimming pool. The whole pit has been reshaped for a smooth ride that goes down and around several interestingly-shaped walls before the kids pop out at a number of spots along the side. Sometime I should post a picture of the whole arena. It's photogenic. There were three or four guys doing a terrific job of swooping around the place while I was there today, and one much younger who wanted to learn. Helmets are definitely required!

Today is Theme Day at City Daily Photo, and the theme is "Feet." I love the way the shoelace casts an exaggerated shadow.

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