I’m an idea man. Ask any of my friends and they’ll tell you that every week I have a new business idea or way to change the world. I like to dream. Always have.
Born and raised in “the Valley of the Sun,” I moved around quite a bit as an adult, and lived in New York City for about six years before moving back home to Phoenix to take care of my father as he battled cancer. After he passed, I decided to stay in town and definitely experienced some culture shock after being away for almost 10 years. Eventually, I adjusted and began to enjoy the beauty that the Sonoran Desert has to offer.
Of course there were things that I missed about New York. My best friend and I spent a lot of time in Central Park developing our own special relationship with the verdant oasis amidst the high-rises. I was missing that experience in Phoenix, so I decided to collect some friends to play in Hance Park. We’d bring a Frisbee, a picnic, and music, have handstand contests and play board games under the sun. The park appeared to be extremely underused. “Why is no one here? It’s such a beautiful day outside,” I would say to my friends. That’s when I decided to launch “A Day in the Park.”
“A Day in the Park” is a once-a-month Hance Park play date, dedicated to building culture and community through the use of public space. It is a place for dreamers to connect; a time to get out and enjoy nature, the weather, your friends and family, play a game of Frisbee, and fly a kite; and a fun way to support and strengthen a feeling of community. “A Day in the Park” is a day to appreciate the important things in life. “A Day in the Park” at its heart, is an ideal.
Ultimately, I would love to see “A Day in the Park” transform organically into something huge; a daylong event, attracting a diverse crowd, offering live local music, art vendors, small local businesses, food trucks galore, and activities that would bring folks together. It’d be great to see non-profit organizations attend, getting their message out, and collaborating with one another. Use the park to develop and sustain healthy communities.
What can I say? I’m a dreamer. Invite your friends and join the fun.
If You Go:
What: A Day in the Park (DITP)
When: April 13th on Second Saturdays
Where: Margaret T. Hance Park, West side of Park – 67 W. Culver St. (between Central & 3rd Ave.)
Additional Info: Bring food, Frisbees, board games, guitars, kites…whatever you want to make your day, the best “Day in the Park.” Invite/bring your family and friends, the more the merrier! Please no glass bottles. For more visit www.facebook.com/groups/DayInTheParkPhx.
