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Mostly Cloudy Rising temperatures lift spirits
Residents embrace season's change with trips to the park
Valley Stream residents took advantage of last week’s balmy weather at the village’s parks, as temperatures rose over 50 degrees for the first time in 2015.
“We just joined the dog park after we adopted our dog, Floyd, earlier this year,” said Patrick Roche, who took Floyd to the park on Monday with his wife, Joann. “We were here the first day you could finally see the green on the ground instead of the white of snow. We’re so glad that it’s finally getting warm out, and it seems like Floyd has been loving it too.”
The dog park remains open during the winter, but snow and cold temperatures lowered attendance significantly, according to some of the park’s year-round visitors.
“We come here just about every day around noon, right around lunch time,” said Denise Dolan, a Valley Stream resident who visited on March 13 with three friends. “In the winter, you definitely see the crowds thin out. Far less people come out, but we’re always here… It’s nice to see more people out, and I think the dogs like it much more when it’s warmer out to. It’s probably more comfortable for them and I think having more dogs keeps it more engaging.”
Dolan’s friend, Mary Fusco, of East Rockaway, brought her dog, Leo. She said he’s been outside often since the beginning of March, even in conditions he would normally consider too harsh. She said she has followed his lead.
“Really, ever since February finally came to an end, I’ve been outside more,” she said. “Even when it’s cold out, I haven’t been outside in so long, it’s just good to be back out there … It’s funny how the same temperature can feel so different in October and in March.”
Colm O’Malley, who was there on Monday with his dog, Mika, said the warm weather was good news for both of them.
“I think we’re both glad to see the winter finally come to an end,” he said. “We were both pretty tired of dealing with everything winter brings…It’s definitely nicer to be out here as the weather turns better.”
James Jennings brought his daughter, Mia, 5, and her friend, Dave, to the playground at Arthur Hendrickson Park on March 13.
“Thank God the winter is finally over,” he said. “I like snow as much as the next guy, but I think everyone was starting to develop a pretty good case of cabin fever. The kids had a lot of pent-up energy, and everyone, I think, was just tired of having to sit in the house away from the fresh air all the time. But the good news is spring is on its way.”
The Roches said they plan to make regular trips to the park as the season progresses.
“Now that the weather is better, we definitely plan to be here very often,” Joann said. “My kids take the dog out to run here, and my husband is already here at least twice a day when the weather permits it. Having the dog park and the other parks here is a big plus. It’s nice to see our tax dollars going to work on something we all can enjoy, and I’m glad the weather is getting good enough for us to enjoy it again.”
