Still Waiting for Autumn to Appear In Marine Park, Brooklyn

Marine Park is one of the Brooklyn, NY, parks I enjoy walking in every morning. Rain was threatening this morning, but I decided to take some photos, because I wanted to show everyone how the trees are still basically retaining their green color, as opposed to what I have been yearning for, this gorgeous scene:

This photo was taken last year, albeit it was taken in early November when our area was at peak autumn color! Aren't the trees spectacular?

We are expecting a Nor'easter storm in New York City this weekend, so I hope we don't lose all the leaves from the trees before they have a chance to display their autumn dress.

Already many leaves have fallen on the ground.

Because this park is very close to the coastal Salt Marsh located in this area of southern Brooklyn, it has a nautical theme, and the children's playground reflects that. Look at the pirate ship climbing and sliding apparatus! Yo Ho mates!

There is even a deep sea monster squid to climb over in order to find the sunken treasure chest!

Or perhaps a child would enjoy pretending that he or she was piloting this yellow submarine? Notice the cute open happy clam shell in the background.

There are turtles swimming by........

.....and a coral reef wall to explore.

Just notice the wonderful detail!

A brand new multi million dollar park field house is being built which will be a boon to the area as this park hosts many free summer concerts, fundraising walk events, as well as being the site for many sport activities.

There are many baseball/softball diamonds, plus large soccer, cricket and football fields. There are mile long walking, jogging and bicycle paths

There are also two bocce ball courts located in the park. Artists painted the sides of one of the courts with local scenes. The nearby 1700's historical Dutch Lott House is depicted in this mural.

The other side had this peaceful Native American scene. Archaeologists have determined that this park sits over an ancient Indian burial ground that dates back as much as 6,000 years! The area was a hunting and fishing ground for Native Americans from the nearby village of Keshawchqueren. Pits for cooking and preparing food dating from 800 to 1400 AD were uncovered in Marine Park, along with deer and turtle bones, oyster shells, and sturgeon scales.
I often think about that as I walk around the walking path, and I pay homage to those people who lived here long ago.

Bocce Ball is a sport that originated in Italy. It resembles bowling, but instead of knocking down pins the balls are tossed to hit other balls, similar to pool, to gain points. Check the link for a better definition. Local teams play tournaments in Marine Park, displaying much skill, strategy and competition.

The park also has multiple handball courts.....

....and multiple tennis courts, although a prior permit has to be obtained to use them in an effort to make it fair for all those who wish to practice or play on them during peak times.

There are also multiple basketball courts. Just a little autumnal tree color can be seen in these young trees. I took these photos early this morning, on a cool and overcast day, so there weren't many people using all these wonderful facilities, but on weekends and holidays, and during the nice summer weather, this park is well used and well loved.

Oh, and there are lots of grey squirrels who love the plentiful acorns they find all over the ground!

This little triangular garden is located near one of the park entrances. It is a memorial to a NYC firefighter Christopher Michael Bopp, of Engine 244, who lost his life fighting a fire in 1998.

If you have a few moments click to enlarge this plaque dedicated to his life story, and please say a prayer for him and his family.

This little garden on one of the other park entrances was still full of beautiful bright flowers. I love the pretty pink beach roses which I'm sure, someday soon, I'll be showing in more detail on a Pink Saturday post.

I'm very proud of this wonderful park and I've been delighted to show it to you today. As we live in a crowded city, our parks are all well needed oasis of nature. Hopefully, very soon, it will be full of some glorious russet, gold and orange leaves and I can finally feel that autumn has arrived!