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October 17, 2025
On an early Friday afternoon on a cool autumn day, I hopped onto the light rail and went to the Louisiana and Pearl St. station, walked down a few blocks, and arrived at Washington Park.
It has been almost a month since I've visited the park, and I immediately noticed the changes that have occurred. While the park was still full of people going on runs, walking their dogs, or playing sports, the fallen leaves that were all around the ground gave the park a new comforting feel to it. Some trees were already completely bare meanwhile others were just barely changing color. Even though it was a sunny day, the cool breeze of autumn made it the perfect weather to enjoy the park in.
After weeks of midterms and assignments, I decided to take this time to unwind and relax. I sat on a bench facing the southernmost lake in the park and read whilst people around me were fishing in the lake. Curious about the sustainability of fishing, I came across the park rules. Fishing can be considered sustainable if it is not done excessively. The park only allows fishing if you have a permit. Due to these rules, it promotes sustainability and helps maintain the wildlife in the lake. Having these rules is what reminds humans that we are one with nature, and we should treat her with respect.
With this in mind, I paid more attention to the wildlife around me while I strolled around the park. This park is home to many ducks, geese, and squirrels. I thought of Barry Lopez's Apologia. He treated every hurt animal he came across with extreme care. This serves as a remidner that humans are not the only creatures inhabiting the Earth. By treating the Earth kindly, it leads us to treating one another with compassion and empathy, qualities that are very needed nowadays.
The sounds of children playing in the park mixed with the leaves littered on the ground, I felt a profound nostalgia. Despite being in a completely different state, I was reminded of afternoons spent playing outside after school on a fall day in Texas. While I walked in the park, I passed by a little girl who fell off of her bike and began to cry. This moment reminded me of the time I fell off my scooter and scraped my knee when I was younger. These things that may seem so minute are such canon human experiences. I feel so lucky that I experienced a childhood I can look back on fondly and am now reminiscing about. In the moment, that fall off the bike can feel world-shattering, but it is what helps shape us into who we are and brings about a sense of empahty amognst one another.
Sign reads: "Wash Park Tree Guide"
Pondering about human connection and sustainability, I noticed these signs. The goal of the park is to provide a space where people can connect with nature as well as experience joy with others. The park really does provide a sense of community, and people ensure that the park can stay that way through providing resources that allow people to fully enjoy their time in the park.
Bike air pump; "Donated and Maintained by Friends and Neighbors of Washington Park"
On the same train of thought of sustainability, I walked through the garden within Wash Park. On the left is a sign that is advertising the opportunity to volunteer in the garden. On the right, is a sign that reminds people to treat the garden with respect. These details are what help maintain the park. It is empathy and honoring nature that brings humans together, and ensures the park has a long future.
In a time where it can be very worrisome to think about the future of our planet, it is reassuring to know that we have these places and systems in place that will help sustain these pockets of nature within urban environments. Every time I go to Wash Park it is full of people truly taking advantage of the day and appreciating the beauty of the park with loved ones. Due to the growing awareness of our environment, I believe it will stay like this for a long time as long as we remember to always have empathy for the nature, animals and people around us.
Leaving refreshed and hopeful, till next time Wash Park!
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