Paving Paradise, On the Waterfront and Pictures with the Easter Bunny

While out and about this weekend, About Town was surprised to find that the kiddie pool that’s been a slice of paradise to all kids in Coytesville Park for many generations was in the process of being paved over. Coytesville Park is located in the northern section of town on Sixth Street. The pool was completely filled with asphalt and all of the black-top that had once defined the pool area has been removed and replaced with dirt. After speaking with some parents and teenagers who were enjoying the park, no one had any details about what was happening and were saddened to see the pool being removed.

We then decided to visit all of the other Fort Lee playgrounds to see if their pools were being paved over. Westview Park, located on Westview Avenue in the Coytesville section of town, had a backhoe, or excavator, parked inside the gates of its pool. However, the pools at the Recreation Center on Stillwell Avenue, Firemen’s Park on Whiteman Street, and Inwood Terrace Park on Inwood Terrace seem to be untouched at this point.

Since it was the weekend, no one was available at the Parks Department for comment. About Town will reach out to the Parks Department for comment. As soon as we have information on why one pool was paved over, and another pool seemed to be being prepped for it, we will report back to you.

On the Waterfront

Ross Dock, at the base of the Hudson River in Fort Lee, was bustling with activity on Sunday. The weather had a hint of spring in the air and everyone down at the Dock was trying to help move it along.

Even though the day was warmer than any of the others have been recently, there was still a bit of a chill in the air, especially on the water front. However, this did not deter all the people who were hosting barbecues. There were five families and friends who had the charcoal lit with an assembly line of men and women making hamburger patties, marinating steaks, and basting ribs and chicken. One family was preparing sausage, peppers and onions to go on the grill to celebrate their son’s return from college for spring break.

A few picnic tables down from the grillers, a family was in the process of blowing up 40 balloons for their daughter’s fourth birthday party. They were expecting 25 children and their parents. When asked why they decided to have the party at Ross Dock they said it was close to home, it had a big playground for the kids, the clean-up was easier than if they hosted it at their house, and the location was cheaper than if they had it at one of the regular children’s party places.

About Town stopped to talk with one of the many fishermen who had their poles leaning against the large stones trying to catch stripers. No one had caught any yet, but they were all hopeful. As one seasoned fisherman shared, “It’s about having a drink and enjoying the company of these fine men. Oh, and avoiding yard work.” At which point they all shared a laughed.

One passerby pointed out two geese guarding their nest of eggs in-between the stones of the wall right above the river’s tide line. As we leaned over one of the large stones to capture a picture, the mama goose let it be known, quite clearly, that she would take out my eye if we got too close to her nest. We got our shot and parted in peace.    

Pictures With the Easter Bunny

If you’re child would like their picture taken with the Easter Bunny, here is the schedule at the area malls:

The Shops at Riverside Square, Hackensack: Photos with the Easter Bunny are taken Monday through Saturday until April 23rd 11am - 8pm (He breaks at 1:15-2 & 5:15-5:45). Each child who has a picture taken with the Easter Bunny will receive a free gift!

Paramus Park Mall: Photos with the Easter Bunny are taken Monday through Saturday, April 23^rd from 10am – 8pm. Kids 12 and under will receive a FREE animal mask when they visit with the bunny.

Westfield Garden State Plaza: The Easter Bunny is also at the Garden State Plaza (in the Lord & Taylor Court) Monday through Saturday 10am - 9pm until Saturday, April 23rd.