This is my first cache and I wanted it to be fun for everyone! I
love exploring the parks of New York City and Athens Square Park is
a great one all year round. Athens Square Park functions more as a
meeting area than as a tree-covered sanctuary from city life. It's
located right off 30th Avenue, and is defined by its Greek statues
that command attention from a casual passerby.
This park was designed by the architect Stamatios P. Lykos, who
was commissioned to create a sunken court amphitheater capable of
housing community events. His design was based on an ancient Greek
city-planning scheme, which is evident in the gradually descending
stairs that form the heart of the courtyard (a favorite sector of
local skateboarders).
The city approved a $1 million grant in 1990 to refurbish the
park, with the restorations focusing on adding new benches, tables,
a playground, and updated landscaping. Today, all of the above
additions have given the park a strong community vibe. During the
hot summer months, local women crowd the benches that line 30th
Avenue on the outskirts of the park, eagerly sharing their latest
gossip. Old men can be seen in a heated chess battle, or just
playing cards. Kids fill the playground, teens impress their crew
with their latest skate tricks, and people of all ages shoot hoops
on one of the two basketball courts located on the south end of
this compact area. Music festivals are held on an almost daily
basis during the fall and summer, each one focused on a different
nationality (Mexican, Italian, Greek, Indian, etc.). Sometimes food
native to that country will be offered too, as well as clothing and
arts booths selling various wares. *courtesy iexplore.com*
I’m so lucky to have this park just down the block where I can
work on my skating skills, interact with the friendly locals, hear
great music, or just relax. Take lots of pictures, always nice to
have a view of people enjoying locations! Don’t get into too hot of
a debate with ol’ Socrates!
BYOP, USE HIGH AMOUNTS OF STEALTH, even though it's a
very clean park feel free to bring trash bags if you'd like for
CITO, respect the cache and the park! Thanks!
Congrats to majormajor42 for the FTF!