Touching Grass

By HATTIE FOOTE

I was driving by Spreckels Park recently, and I noticed a big birthday party, complete with an inflatable castle jump house and a big table with snacks and cupcakes. It made me smile but also feel a twinge of sadness with the realization that my days of princess parties in the park are over as my daughter turns 11 this month.

I went home and talked to my husband about how crazy it is that for so many years, we were at Spreckels Park daily, and now that our kids are older, we are rarely there. It got me thinking about the parks of Coronado and how they play such a huge role in so many moments of our lives.

I have seen countless marriage proposals set up at Bayview Park, complete with candles and rose petals, romance in the air! It seems every weekend, there is a quinceañera at Centennial Park, and my kids are constantly in awe of the beautiful, lavish dresses and limos. Flag football and plane spotting are a favorite pastime at Sunset Park and, of course, gathering for the annual Sundance golf cart parade during the holidays at Star Park.

My husband coached our daughter’s first (and only) tee-ball team, the Skunks, at Matthewson Park, and that is also where our family met at the very beginning of the pandemic. We sat in a socially distanced circle, wringing our hands when it was announced that America’s sweetheart Tom Hanks had COVID-19. Ah, what a time to be alive; it feels like a fever dream! Nowadays, most of our time is spent at Tidelands for sports; we spend countless hours at practice, games, and post-season parties.

I would say that Spreckels Park, in particular, holds at least one special memory for the majority of our community. Magical summer nights spent with loved ones at Concert in the Park and so much chaos and candy at Halloween Happening. Lost teeth, found stuffed animals, new friends, old friends, first steps, last hugs. It’s the epicenter of our town, the crowned jewel.

As much as I adore being a mother, there were many days I was completely overwhelmed and cooped up. Spreckels saw me through baby blues, and for that, I will be forever grateful for the space to breathe.

I asked my friends and neighbors to chime in on what they love about Spreckels Park because I know my experience is not exclusive. The responses I received were just all of the heart eyes. “My parents met at Concert in the Park, and they just celebrated their 42nd anniversary in August.” “My first swing ride was at Spreckels, as well as my son’s, 1987 and 2016!” “Special memory: newly dating my husband, he took me to the gazebo after dark to slow dance with his iPod (we each had one earbud in). The gazebo was lit and perfectly romantic.” “Dancing as a family to Concert in the Park, endless hours pushing my girls on the swings” “I would go there before living here and watch the littles play. That is one of the reasons we decided to move here. I couldn’t believe kids coming and going on their own” “Coronado Academy of Dance performing at the gazebo during the flower festival.” “Concert in the Park has held so many fun summer memories and is such a unique experience that celebrates Coronado in our community!” “One time I witnessed a wedding happen… while we were playing on the playground!”

There were so many replies I could write on and on. One thing is for sure: those trees have seen some pretty special times. So go touch some grass, dance in the gazebo, swing at the playground, and take advantage of our town’s wide open spaces! Adventure awaits!