Activity # 2-Tamon Charles

Tamon Charles

Activity # 2
I would recommend visiting the Yankees Stadium area for various reasons. It was my very first time exploring this area at 161st Street in the Bronx as I usually would pass by on the number four train. I was very much aware of this particular train line teeming with loyal fans especially around baseball season. The first thing I have noticed getting off the platform was the specific exit (161st Street and River Avenue,) should it be your intent to be a spectator during the game season. Another, I have instantly noticed were the little shops along the corner of Gerard Avenue and 161st where one can easily purchase souvenirs.

The nearby McDonald’s franchise also paid tribute to the fans and the Yankees Stadium. It is very hard to miss the Yankees mascot configures that are featured in the dining area as you stop by for a quick bite. Outside the gray colored stadium was also another replica of the mascot that wears a proud smile to greet fans on their way inside of the arena. What I have also noticed was that both figures were very dynamic—they were both featured to be in batting positions.

As I walked along 161st street, I was impressed to see that this area was bursting with flavor. “It is just so on city streets everywhere. A lively street always has both its users and pure watchers” (Jacobs, 37).There are many delis, adjacent Chase Banks, clothing stores, convenient stores and other fast food franchise that kept the area vibrant even when baseball season has underwent. I have decided to dine at the nearby Burger King to have a better idea of the neighboring citizens. It was quite obvious that the population was made up of citizens of Hispanic/Latino descend. There was a great influx of people ever so often during the early afternoon. There were groups of young people who just came from school and came to enjoy their pass time and even the local folk who occupied the tables to have small talk.

I particularly grew interest in a group of older men around the same age who were discussing issues that seem to bother them such as waiting in line to conduct their businesses whilst their another comrade greeted his fellowmen who he has not seen in awhile. “A city’s very wholeness in bringing together people with communities of interest is one of its greatest assets, possibly the greatest” (Jacobs, 119). They conversed and even share a few laughs while drinking hot beverages to keep warm for the winter temperatures. I have also noticed how frequent the team members at Burger King would clean up immediately after customers have left just to keep the environment safe and welcoming.

In all, I enjoyed my excursion in this area. I appreciated the position of the Joyce Kilmer Park as I continued along East 161st Street and reached as far as Grand Concourse. I even asked someone the name of a beautiful building that is adjacent to the park and was blissful to learn that is was in fact the Bronx Supreme Court. “And, in turn, one of the assets a city district needs is people with access to the political, the administrative, and the special interest communities of the city as a whole” (Jacobs, 119).This locale is very inviting and so the closely knitted community gains a sense of belonging and customary liveliness that only a city like New York can necessitate.