It's 8 o'clock on a Wednesday morning in the Linden City Park. Several people and their animals are walking, sitting, talking.
It's almost hot, but the park is cool. Many trees and branches are close to the pathway's edge.
To walk here is exercise, for the park is filled with valleys and slopes.
There's a variety of things to see. From a new water pond and its dam to a volleyball court, pavilion, colorful playground, exercise machines, disc golf baskets and the occasional tended garden spot with flowers and weeds growing together.
Benches are frequent, for this park is not a stroll -- it's a climb. A pause and rest are necessary. But this is what makes the park interesting. One has to pay attention to oneself. This is not a promenade. One does not show off here. One walks.
The park, so close to the town's center and courthouse square, represents a small challenge. Nature is here. There's a wetland area, insects, undergrowth, overgrown drainage ditches, bridges, gates and maybe even a critter or two. Who knows?
Traverse the park once and get ready to come back tomorrow. You have the chance to meet nature, friends and new acquaintances here.
It is a park, an educational venue, and the town and county are fortunate to have this one.
Still to come are what the town plans to do with its public meeting grounds at the top of the hill and next to the elementary school. Museum, historical structures, exhibit and marketing areas are some of the ideas.
If they could speak, pets would probably tell their owners how much they enjoy Linden City Park. (photo by Neil Abeles)
Linden City Park is considered an outdoor education center because it is so accessible, colorful and enjoyable. City Councilwoman Mary Dowd wrote most of the grant work for the park. (photo by Neil Abeles)
The latest addition to Linden City Park is a nearby retention pond and dam that expands the park’s usefulness. That’s the senior citizens’ center at right. (photo by Neil Abeles)
The public pavilion in Linden City Park makes a perfect spot for family parties in good weather or bad. (photo by Neil Abeles)
Here’s the start. Park the car nearby. Take a deep breath, step a few feet and one is in a world of nature. Bring some water and a sack lunch. (photo by Neil Abeles)
The Linden citizen may be meditating, hiking, exercising or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of small town country life in Linden City Park. (photo by Neil Abeles)