Inspiration Photo Friday: Suburbia

18 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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american dream, brooklyn, earth, family, long island, nature, new jersey, new york, parks, peace, queens, quiet, suburbia, trees

Growing up in New Jersey, I was surrounded by trees, grass, parks and not much industrial exposure. What we all call Suburbia. Coming from Brooklyn, there was a very big difference in the environment. I really did love it though. I am a nature girl at heart so to be surrounded by the suburban backdrop made me happy. I also stayed with Aunt in Long Island almost every summer so that only enhanced my love for this type of atmosphere.

Now, this is not to say I didn’t like the city. Having family in Queens and Brooklyn and hanging out in NYC as a teen kept it alive for sure. But as I got older, my love grew more for the open spaces and cleaner air. The city like areas just felt congested, stuffy and loud. There is a special peace suburbia has to offer and its something I fell in love with more and more. What people call the American Dream, was very much on my mind. The house, the yard, having a family of my own, I would certainly make it happen one day. I am glad to say I did.

This photo was taken in a park on the island a few years ago while working for Patch. I think the parks here are gorgeous and most have so much to offer. As I looked up from where I was standing, it seemed so picturesque. Suburbia at its best. I captured the moment and to this day, I love this shot. In a way it feels like a painting to me, surreal and beautiful. The path so inviting, the trees so lush.

I am happy I placed my family and I in a space where I feel at home. I would never feel comfortable in a city like environment and am grateful I can live where my heart truly lies. I now have my peace and quiet. It’s funny to think about how I dreamed of living in Brooklyn or Queens when I was younger when I wouldn’t even consider it today. I guess that’s what happens when people grow up and change. Even though the one thing that has never changed is my love for the Earth. And now I can experience it everyday in my own backyard.

Historic Series: Wantagh Park

08 Wednesday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places

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children, family, long island, nature, parks, picnic, playgrounds, pool, trees, views, wantagh new york, wantagh park, water

Wantagh Park, located off Merrick Road on 1 King Road in Wantagh, has been part of the county park system since 1961 and sits on 111 acres of land. The waterfront views are captivating and the many areas of seating provide the perfect spots to enjoy the park. I love visiting natural areas like this and seeing what they offer. This one is jam packed with tons of stuff and beautiful scenery.

There are opportunities for a child of every age group to play and provide a lot of activities for children. The playgrounds are set in sand for safety. The play areas are great because the serene environment allows you to relax and catch up with other parents in the community.

If you walk or run, you can appreciate the one and two mile paths, as well as the fitness stations. During the warmer months, you can gather by the picnic areas where you will find tables and grills. Even though I visited in winter, I found the park to be beautiful. Naked trees surrounded the grounds and there was a peaceful stillness in the air.

The Children’s Memorial Butterfly Garden was an unexpected bonus. It is a memorial for children from Wantagh who died at an early age. How beautiful is that?

During the summer months, the swimming complex will come in handy as well. For a small fee, you can enjoy an Olympic sized pool, kiddy pool, as well as a play area and 30-foot water slides. Daily and seasonal passes are available and fees vary. This park has everything!

In the past, the park was named one of the top three parks in Long Island by the Long Island Press. With all it has to offer the community, it is definitely a park you cannot resist. Dogs can enjoy the park as well and get some exercise in the dog run.

Wantagh Park is simply a world of its own. I could tell I would be there for a while.

HIstoric Series: Takapausha Preserve

12 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places, The Great Outdoors

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algonkian, animals, birds, earth, forest, greenery, hiking, leaves, long island, museum, nassau county, nature, nature trail, new york, parks, plantlife, preserve, seaford, takapausha, trees

Being a nature lover you can count on me feeling at home at a place like Tackapausha Preserve. Located behind the Tackapausha Museum on Washington Avenue, it brings beauty in its purest form to Seaford, NY. If you need a place to escape from the rest of the world and you are local, this is it.

The preserve is free to enter and closes at sunset. It’s a great place for nature walks and exploring. Make sure you take note of the rules before you continue into the preserve, which are stated clearly at the gate entrances. You can also pick up a trail map at the museum to help guide you.

Taking good care of the preserve is important and even more crucial to the wildlife that live there. With 84 acres this sanctuary is the home of many small creatures including hundreds of bird species, like the ruby-throated hummingbird as well as Egyptian fruit bats. These species live amongst the plentiful oak and maple forests, ponds and streams.

There are three sections of the preserve, which are divided by major roads. However, you can follow the five mile nature trail that continues through the whole park. It fills the space between Merrick Road and Jerusalem Avenue.

You will find a small wetland between Clark and Jerusalem Avenue, a secluded pond (Duck Pond) in the section between Sunrise Highway and Clark Avenue and the Atlantic white cedar stand between Merrick Road and Sunrise Highway.

I really enjoyed my visit to the preserve back in December 2012. I felt as if I was traveling through tunnels of trees that welcomed me with every step. I have to say fall is a perfect time to go to see all the beautiful colors of the leaves and feel the crispness of the atmosphere. Although the warmer seasons would be nice with all the shade from the trees.

The preserve and museum are both operated by the Nassau County Department of Recreation. The county acquired the land in 1938 and since has been one of the most popular preserves on the South Shore. It was named after Chief Tackapausha of the Massapequa Band of Algonkian-speaking peoples.

The Tackapausha Museum is an impressive 3,000 square foot space with animals exhibits as well as activities for children. If you are interested in learning about the ecology of Long Island, you will find it all here. Why not take advantage of this natural resource and explore the gifts of Mother Earth. You can exercise and explore at the same time and its free!

Museum hours are 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday and 1 pm – 4 pm on Sunday. Admission for children ages 5-12 is $2 (under 5 is free) and $3 for adults and teens. You can reach them at 516-571-7443 for updates and information.