Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with park

sydney parks

neworder7 — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 03:20:41 -0800

Are there any quiet, leafy parks not so far away from Sydney CBD area? I'd like to be able to go there via bus/train in 30mins at most to go for a walk and chill out.

Private parks

londontube — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:11:41 -0800

Are there any other private parks like Gramercy Park in the world? Particularly in cities.

Which form of bobsledding is best for spectating?

rinogo — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:07:27 -0800

Which form of bobsledding is best for spectating? This weekend, northern Utahns have the opportunity of seeing the world cup of bobsledding/skeleton in Park City for free (http://bobsled.teamusa.org/news/article/28726) . If I only go to one event, which one should it be?

(I think I'd like to see skeleton most, but since that has already passed, what do you think would be most entertaining? Two-man tonight, or four-man tomorrow afternoon?)

How do very large car parks deal with abandoned cars?

cdenman — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:42:34 -0800

How do massive long-stay carparks (like those at airports), that have too many cars to keep track of individually, deal with the problem of cars that are never collected? I imagine it must happen - people park their cars in airports then disappear from the country. Not often but I don't think a couple of cars a year is an unreasonable guess.

How do these massive car parks deal with abandoned cars - do they ever know they're there?

In a small car park, a car parked in the same place for ages would be noticed after a short while, but in a car park that acts as a home for several thousand cars, surely the car just stays there for an eternity. Or is there some kind of checking procedure - and if so what is it!

What is that smell in High Line Park in NYC?

Jimmie — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:13:28 -0800

What is that smell in High Line Park in NYC? There is a relatively new odor in the air around High Line Park. It is sharp and pungent, smells vaguely of cilantro. Other passersby have also noticed the aroma, many of which have stopped to locate, but nobody can. Any thoughts?

Park and Ride in From PA to DC

mulkey — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:48:32 -0800

Help me figure out a Park and Ride scenario during rush hour PA -> DC. I'm trying to figure out the best way to minimize driving between Harrisburg, PA and Washington DC during evening rush hour on a Friday afternoon. I have a car, but I'm headed to downtown DC and it would be far better/cheaper/happier if I can park and use public transit.

Both Greyhound and Amtrak from Harrisburg to DC are four hours (ouch) and Amtrak conveniently takes me through Philadelphia (huh?). So I'm looking at Marc trains, which would be a little more driving, but it looks like there are park and ride options.

But where do I go? Looks like the closest places to me are: Monocacy on the Brunswick line and West Baltimore on the Penn Line. Maybe Penn Station on the Penn Line as well (Actually Hunt Mills, Timonium and Owing Mills are closer but there's no park and ride).

But I'm wondering if it's better to go to Monocacy because there might be less traffic in getting there (avoiding Baltimore entirely) but am I wrong? What would you do?

Presumably since I'd be getting there around the evening rush hour I wouldn't have a problem finding a park and ride parking space right??? Right?

Any other ideas/suggestions that might work? I've heard there are faster buses between DC and Harrisburg but I have no idea where they might be found.

Picking up girls with my dog

isoman2kx — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:17:23 -0800

General low-down on picking up girls with a dog I'm really surprised this isn't on google more than like the 3-5 poorly done articles on it. I've always wanted to use my dog as another aid in getting to know girls at parks/public places better. How best to do this? Are there any sort of general strategies/tips on what to do and where to steer the conversation after first contact? My dog is a 2 year old girl that's a mix of German Shepherd/Retriever/Chow.

Thanks for any help :)

This parking space is mine. So why are you using it?

almostwitty — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:01:13 -0800

I have a parking space allocated to my flat in West London. Someone else keeps parking there, and ignoring all signs. How do I "persuade" that person to stop parking there?

Le nom nom nom.

IWoudDie4U — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:02:09 -0800

Where can we make out with French boys, what foodie things can I not miss in Paris, and what is the Kampa Park of Brussels? In two weeks, I will be in Paris for the first time, with
my family. Then Bruges, Brussels and Amsterdam. I will be on vacation with my parents and my sister. We love seafood and wine and meat and salty snacks and cocktail hour. And cheese. I am obsessed with France/ French cuisine/Food and cooking in general. I spent all winter baking macarons in my tiny Chicago apartment. I have Pierre Herme and Laduree already mapped out for macaron gluttony, and Stohler's for éclairs. My parents are graciously picking up the tab, so being thrifty isn't necessary. We're not looking to have dinner at any Michelin star restaurants- but what foods/restaurants/bakeries/shops should we not miss?

We'll probably have a nightcap after dinner with my parents, but my sister and I would like to go out a few nights. We're both in our mid-20s, both single. She's more mainstream sports bar/ beer/ frat boys, and I'm more offbeat hipster bar/ gin martinis/ hipsters. We will both begrudgingly put up with the other's choice for at least a night. We're staying in the city centers at all locations, and are transit-savvy. Any suggestions?

When we were in Prague, my mother, sister and I had dinner at Kampa Park. We ate outside on the patio right on the river, overlooking the Charles bridge. The food was exquisite, we watched the sunset, and when it got a little chilly, the waiter draped us with
warm blankets. Blankets! It was perfect. It'll be just the ladies for two nights in Brussels, and we'd like to repeat the experience- breathtaking views, superb service, and delicious food. Where should we go?

Where oh where is that bloomin' car?

freston — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:55:37 -0800

How do I find my black car by moonlight in a field of 1000 irregularly parked cars? Lo-tech solutions preferred. So I went to a festival last year for just a day and parked my car, as directed, in a nearby field. I *thought* I had a reasonable idea where it was in relation to the gate. On leaving the festival, gone midnight, that same field looked totally different -- more cars, only moonlight to see by, a handful of trees as landmarks. Took me about an hour to track it down. I'm going to the same festival this weekend and would appreciate any & all suggestions, thanks.

Rocky Mountain High

netbros — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 09:39:15 -0800

I am going to Rocky Mountain National Park the 2nd week of July for a few days. What are your favorite hiking trails, and other sights, in the park? Although I am 56 years old, I am in pretty good hiking shape, so length and elevation change aren't an issue. I like hikes through the forest and/or summit climbs to scenic vistas. For those who have been, or live nearby, what trails did you enjoy most? What else should I know about?

NYC Restaurant Recommendation

ruwan — Mon, 25 May 2009 06:11:50 -0800

NYC Restaurant Filter: Looking for a nice restaurant very close to Carnegie Hall for dinner on Wednesday night. (Or walking distance from Madison Sq Park would also work.) - Reservations a plus (we have a group of 6).
- One of our party is vegetarian, so should have some options for him. (aka no steakhouses unfortunately.)
- ~$25 entree range
- Asian, Thai, or Indian would be nice but isn't a requirement. Any recommendation would be helpful, thanks!

Parallel Plastic Tubes

Tube — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:19:16 -0800

What is this series of tubes? While walking in Jack Block park here in Seattle, I came upon this plastic structure set solidly into the earth at the base of this tree. I have never seen such a thing before. My best guesses as to its function are:

1. Erosion control. The tree is planted on a rather steep slope, as can be seen by the angle of the adjacent stairs. Perhaps this structure acts as a dam, especially when the tree is a sapling.

2. Fertilizer addition. The structure is set close to the tree, and implanted solidly into the ground. What better way to get fertilizer to the roots?

3. Irrigation. Perhaps this species of tree is uniquely thirsty, and needs lots of water.

Whatever the case, the structure seems to be well maintained, as I'm sure it would quickly fill with organic debris and be totally clogged. The tubes were relatively clean when I examined them.

What, exactly is its function? What is the generic name for this object? Are they commonly used in landscaping?

BBQ in a park - sounds simple enough right?

abdulf — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:10:25 -0800

I'd like to host a recurring BBQ/picnic at a local park for around 10 people. I've never done this before. What do I need to know? Some specific questions:

1. There are BBQ grills/pits at my local park. Nothing fancy, just a grate over a metal box. I have seen people cooking on these but it doesn't look very hygienic. How do I cook safely?

2. What kinds of entertainment go well at a park? Kites, soccer, football - anything else I'm not thinking of?

3. What are some good side dishes that complement burgers and hot dogs?

4. Anything else I should know about organizing BBQ/picnics at a park?

Yard party in the City in the Garden without a garden?

@homer — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:21:50 -0800

Where to have a yard style party in Chicago? My friend wants to have her birthday party in a yard with a barbecue and all the alcoholic fun that goes with it. The problem is that nobody we know has a yard big enough for it. I've checked out the Chicago Park District and the Cook County Forest Preserve. There are either limits on alcohol or the areas close too early. I'm trying to spiral out to the suburbs but after a point it gets too expensive to take cabs from and to the city.

The budget for any kind of rental is probably a couple hundred. Maybe a little more. If the party could start later in the day that would be cool and the later it could run the better.

Take Your Pet To Work Day [DC Road Trip Edition]

rinosaur — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 20:00:16 -0800

Dog parks in DC? Hello friends, I'll be in DC for the day with my pooch and have a few hours to kill between locations (Rayburn House Office Building and Catholic University). I'm looking for parks to take the dog to - preferably close to or between my two locations, and off leash/fenced in if possible!

Thanks!

Help us re-design our neighborhood playground and park.

Ostara — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:15:49 -0800

Help us re-design our neighborhood playground and park. The park is about 20 acres in size and the city will be updating it in 2009. We're going to a meeting tomorrow to suggest improvements and we need ideas! The park was developed 19 years ago and has not been updated since then.

The playground in particular needs to be totally redone. What cool playground equipment/features would be in your kids' dream playground? What are things to avoid?

The park also has a soccer field, tennis courts, a half basketball court, picnic tables and grills, a segment of an 11-mile-long walking/biking trail, and lots of beautiful huge old trees. Any suggestions for improvement in these areas is welcome, too.

The park is heavily used - it's in the middle of 2 subdivisions totalling around 500 homes. I know we have at least $100,000 in grant money as well as a chunk of the city's budget, so we can dream big.

Looking for bars near Grant Park

wfrgms — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:35:20 -0800

Chicago-Obama-Filter: Can you recommend a bar with good TV viewing of the election coverage near Grant Park? Partially building on this AskMe.

I've reserved my ticket, but like everyone else I have all sorts of questions.

Mainly though I'd like to find a quite, non-tourist bar near Grant Park where I can drink and watch the news without much of a hassle before going over to get in line. Something inside the Loop and divey would be great.

I just received the following from the DNC: "Ticket holders should walk towards Grant Park on Congress Parkway, then walk south on Columbus Drive to the site." So, somewhere near that would be good.

Also, any advice on when I should get in line? Or if ticket holders will be ushered in?

I'll be checking this thread between now and late Tuesday and updating it with details as I find them. Thanks for any and all advice.

Bonus points if any Chicago Me-Fi's want to join.

Bicycle parking in EC2

Kiwi — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:51:46 -0800

Where to park a bicycle near the Barbican? Going to the Bicycle Film Festival tomorrow evening at the Barbican. Thinking of leaving my bike there during the day and picking it up after the movie. (For various complicated reasons.)

Is there anywhere you EC2 cyclists would leave a bike for the day and part of the night? Cheers.

Bisected Picnic Table

Tube — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:35:19 -0800

Why is there a wooden beam that bisects this wooden picnic table top? I searched Flickr for photos of picnic tables, but I didn't find others with this feature. My two best guesses are that it's designed to keep people from sleeping on top of the table, or to keep skateboarders from launching themselves off.

Does anyone know for sure?

Where can we swim with the fishies?

aleahey — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 08:55:34 -0800

Fresh water creek/lake swimming in Central NJ? Recently went swimming in Double Trouble Park in South Jersey (official stance there is "no swimming" but no one bothered us), looking for similar experience in central NJ. Not interested in a place that has a lifeguard or tons of families swimming. Just a nice trail that leads to clean(ish) water for a nice refreshing dip.

We're very active, love hiking, swimming and anxiously awaiting the arrival of our new kayak! Any suggestions of cool places to go that won't be too crowded would be appreciated!

Thanks! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Zion Nat'l Park and other hot photo spots within a day's drive from Las Vegas?

MarkLark — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:00:29 -0800

How can I get the most out of a day visit to Zion Nat'l Park - or any parks within a ~2 hour's drive from Las Vegas? I'll be arriving Saturday morning for a convention in Vegas next week. That gives me a good chunk of Saturday and all day Sunday to do whatever I want. I recently bought a fancy-schmancy HD camcorder and am itching to get some good footage.

On a previous trip I had visited Zion Nat'l park and chose to do a very strenuous all-day hike on one trail to a destination I ultimately didn't reach (outlook point or whatever it is that's up on top of the cliff). I loved the park and want to go back as I know I probably missed a good chunk of it.

I'm leaning towards Zion because I know I can get there and back in a day, it's picturesque and I would like to go back again someday, but if there are other options I should consider I'm open to suggestions.

I plan on bringing my camcorder and a tripod, so I'm looking for good photo spots I can spend a few minutes at, take some nice pictures (either landscape/vista shots or macro photography/plants/wildlife, etc.) and then move on. Short trails are fine, especially if there's nice things along the way. I'm also a bit overweight and out of shape. While I joined a gym two days ago I think it's a little too late to start training for any kind of strenuous "1 mile uphill switchback" trails.

I also realize that parts of the park are closed to personal vehicles while others aren't - I'm open to both. I could spend a few hours in the 'closed section' taking the bus to destinations X, Y and Z then get back in the car and hit up locations A, B and C - assuming there's a place to pull off and park.

And again, if there are other places besides Zion that would be good photo/video locations, I'm open to ideas. I still have Saturday that I could do something closer to town, if there is anything. My plane lands and noon so by the time I'm ready to go anywhere I'll probably just have a few hours before sunset. (I've been to RedRocks twice - I may go again but I doubt it's changed much.)

And on a mostly unrelated note - anyone know how to get discount show tickets in Vegas? I was thinking about checking out Penn & Teller at the Rio, but $75 seems kind of steep.

Parking to get to Fenway?

fogster — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:38:52 -0800

FenwayParkParkingFilter: Driving from southern NH to go to tomorrow night's Fenway game. I think I should park somewhere and take the T in. Where do I park? I'm traveling with family. We're all from the NH/MA area, but it'll be a first for all of us, so I want to make sure this goes off without a hitch.

The following qualities in a parking lot / T ride are important:
- A legal parking spot. (We don't want to chance it in some random shop's parking lot, and risk finding our car towed when we get back.)
- Close to the T. (Short walk from car to T.)
- Not overcrowded: the suggestion's no good if we get there and the parking lot is full! (But we don't want to be the only car in the lot, either...)
- Easy to find. (Hurf durf, city driving...)
- Preferably, cheap, but paying for quality is within reason.
- Not a sketchy place. 4 years of college in the 'burbs taught me that there are places in Boston you don't go at night, but I don't know my way around well enough to know where they are.

The bare essentials from that list: safe, convenient.

Super-bonus points for a route avoiding changing lines (the least important factor, though), telling me the T fare to expect (we don't have Charlie cards and I hear the rates have changed since I was a student), and pointing out anything else that Fenway n00bs should know.

A Series of Tubes

Tube — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:01:47 -0800

What is this mysterious structure? Tonight I was walking through Seward Park here in Seattle with my video camera, looking for the recently reported coyote. I didn't see any coyotes, but I did find this strange structure (Flickr video). I found three of these, just off the walking trail, all positioned under very large trees. A large funnel on top connects to a series of PVC tubes underneath. This is supported by metal stakes driven into the ground. I assume they are used to collect rainwater, perhaps for some sort of environmental quality testing. But is there some significance to their location under large trees? There were no containers found under these structures.

Best Water Park in NY or NJ??

smartypanties — Mon, 26 May 2008 18:15:13 -0800

What is the very best water park for 30ish folks to enjoy in the NY/NJ area?