Natural Playground In Tarrytown

Slide and rock climb

Neperan Park in Tarrytown has a new playground by The Natural Playground Company. I believe this is the first installment of a planned larger park, but even so, it’s great fun as is. The centerpiece is a slide set in the ground with rock climbs on either side. There are many new paths, several with stones to climb and branches to guide the way. There is also a shaped deck, and a log balance beam area. And of course, great views of the river, and the existing gravel “track” (perfect for tricycle racing?) in the main area of the park.  My kids had such a good time here we had to make two trips in one day. Definitely recommend a field trip here!

Log Balance Beams and Playdeck

View towards river and Main Street

 

Hayride House — to Keep?

The house/covered bridge structure added to the park for this year’s hayride is currently still in the park. The Village tells us it’s been examined and is structurally sound. Their question is, should it stay in the park, either where it is, or somewhere else? (Sorry for the lack of pics, will add some this weekend)

We assume it would need to be weatherized, e.g. maybe roof shingles and some sort of covering on or treatment of the sides, whether cedar shingles or something else.

Pros and Cons follow..

Gazebos noted

There has been some vandalism in one of the gazebos, and the Village has been notified. Thanks for letting us know!

Good Books – Forests

Here aretwo favorite books we’ve been reading about northeastern forests. Links are to Amazon, which has great descriptions and reviews; the Westchester Library System also has copies. These are fascinating, really informative reads for the average person. I’ve found myself noticing how different various woodlands are after reading these, they are both books that stay with you out on the trails.

Reading the Forested Landscape by Tom Wessels

The Once and Future Forest by Andropogon Associates. This one may be especially helpful reference for us as we look at the health of the park’s woodlands.

Invasives Map

In August David completed a survey of the invasive plants in Douglas Park
as part of a class he took with SUNY Environmental Science and
Forestry.  After outright habitat loss, invasive species are
considered the biggest threat to our ecosystems.  Attached is an
overall map of what he found.   The red squares are Norway maple trees,
while the other colors indicate more than a dozen other invaders, such
as Oriental bittersweet and Japanese barberry.

As you can see, much of the understory in the park has been infested,
and Norway maples have taken over the tree canopy in several places.
This means that the natural process of young trees maturing has been
interrupted, and that the food web has been compromised because native
plants are present is much decreased number.

David  found three of the six “Target Plants” of the Invasive Plant Council
of New York State: Japanese knotweed, Japanese stiltgrass, and Black
swallow-wort.

http://www.ipcnys.org/sections/target/default.htm

Sunshine & Pumpkins

Oct 25 was a perfect day in the park for pumpkin carving, cider-drinking, chatting and playing — the fall leaves were full of color, and the sun was shining. Thanks to Rachel, Christine and Donna for all the snacks, tools and organization, and to Dennis and David for the photos.

Rafa really goes for the pumpkin

Pumpkin Carving Postponed Until Sunday

The Pumpkin carving in Douglas Park has been postponed to Sunday Oct 25 at 1pm due to rainy weather. Bring pumpkins to carve, or stop by for cider & snacks.

There will also be an impromptu Friends meeting today, Saturday at 12:30 at the Warner Library.We’ll meet up in the children’s room.

Initial Playground Area Plan

Initial playground area plan

Here’s a look at the initial playground area plan prepared by our village architect (thank you!).  We’ll also have it at the pumpkin carving this Saturday, so stop by if you’d like to talk.

Two reminders: (1) this is a draft high-level plan, not final; and  (2) the budget may not allow all of this to be built at once.

Upcoming events

Just a reminder, we have two upcoming events:

Saturday, October 24th at 1pm, come to the park to carve Halloween pumpkins with your neighbors, or just stop by for a cup of hot cider and a donut.

Sunday, November 8 at 3:30om, David will lead us on a walk of the park pointing out invasive plants, and talking about their impact on the forest’s ecosystems.

Hope to see you there!

Trees

Two trees were cut down near the cemetery gate in mid October.