I am lucky enough to live in the same area that the paper covers, so I am familiar, if not empathetic, to the goings-on here. This week, more than most, it really hit home with the fire in Bay Park picnic area, since that is where my grandson's second birthday party was to be held this month. Just a few weeks ago, my daughter-in-law Desiree and I went to check out the area, and it seemed perfect -- close to the children's playground and sprinklers, a BBQ pit, picnic tables, a nice overhang in case of rain or to redirect the sun. We signed the papers with Ruth, the park rep, and we were happy with our choice.
This week, vandals destroyed the picnic area - burnt it to a crisp. Who was the first to call me the next morning? Not the police, the fire department, or the arson department -- it was Desiree. "You won't believe what happened!" she said.
And of course, I had more details as the week progressed. Two days after, Ruth called me at my home to say there was a fire, and could we come in to make other arrangements for the party. How ironic, since at that point I probably had more information about the incident than she did.
The irony is that those I spoke with on the phone tried to stress how personal this was to them, how people really used that area, loved those benches. "Yes, I know," I told most of them, 'I am one of them." Some mentioned the carving of their initials in the wooden sun shade from years ago - a remembrance of "I was here", now gone. One was my son, another a local politician. These tables were not just structures, they are history, and now they were gone.
We are still trying to work out the details of my grandson's birthday party - we may still have it there, bring our own shade, order pizzas instead of grilling. I'll keep you posted.
I also checked out the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce's car show last Thursday night. Even though it started to rain, and some of the classic convertible's had to lower their hoods, it was a lively group. The band played some oldies, the restaurants were busy, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Go check it out, on Atlantic Ave. between Sunrise Hwy. and Merrick Rd. It's closed off to traffic in the evenings. They'll be there until Aug. 31. A nice, leisurely mid-week night out.
The Lynbrook pool has hosted our local swim team this summer, and they will be going on to championship meet at Eisenhower Park this week. Wish them luck! Enjoy the rest of the summer -- school will be open soon!
Comments about this column? MMalloy@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
