As of March 20th, spring has commenced. That means New Yorkers will officially be spending more time outside. New York city is a vibrant city with hundreds of resources and different dynamics useful to all citizens. These resources, activities, and lovely locations shine the most in the spring and summer time. Spring marks the start of the lively outdoors of the city, and each New Yorker has their own enjoyable and niche ways to pass the time. This article will highlight some fun springtime and summertime activities and opinions of Bard students on the environment of the city during this season.
New Yorkers take any warm weather they can get. On March 29th, it was around 70 degrees in the city – the first warm day of the year. Hundreds of people gathered in Central Park for picnics, socializing and listening to music. There is footage of the crowds clapping once the sun had come out (https://www.tiktok.com/@pab.roche/video/7487631831009856790). It seems as though once the sun comes out, New Yorkers feel happier and become more sociable. This could be due to the tossed around term “Seasonal Depression,” which describes sadness in the colder and darker months of the year, and happiness when the body is exposed to sunlight and heat. The winter months cause people to stay indoors and avoid the cold outside. The cold weather usually lasts from December to late March, occasionally bleeding into April. That is a very long period of time to be hiding from the frigid outside world. Therefore, when New Yorkers finally get a taste of warmer weather, they make the most of it. For that reason, the spring and summer time in New York City is a sight to behold. It is the time of the year when we spend the most time outdoors, enjoying eachothers company. The parks are constantly filled with people of all ages hosting parties, music events, and sports games. The streets are bustling with tourists and those exploring the city, all of them happy to be wearing shorts again. During this time, the city is used to its fullest and enjoyed the most. There are cyclists everywhere you look, people watchers, and most of all, outdoor dining. It seems as though this time of the year brings togetherness and excitement.
BHSEC Queens students and staff definitely feel this way, and shared their opinions and recommendations with me: Lorena Ponce, a Y1, says that she loves NYC during the spring/summertime, even though it can get very hot, humid and gross at times. She usually spends her summers in New York City, enjoying the weather, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys going to the piers in Manhattan, shopping, and visiting the Rockaways to take a dip in the ocean. She also likes going out of town, to lakes upstate and in Connecticut, as well as going to amusement parks like Six Flags Great Adventure. She recommends going to Bryant Park free movie night during the summer, where you can indulge in a movie on the big screen at the park with your friends for free. Though she explains, “Make sure to arrive at Bryant Park early, because it gets packed very quickly. So find and secure a spot ahead of time.”
Maria Khan, a BHSEC Queens literature professor, says that she deeply dislikes NYC in August because it is too hot and smelly for her liking. Although she loves July, and spends her time in the city going to parks, walking around, spending time in her apartment, going to the theatre, and going out in the evening when the weather gets cooler. She also says that she loves the Mister Softee ice cream truck, saying, “I buy an ice cream every single day during the summer.” Though Maria also spends her time outside of the city, usually in England or Pakistan, visiting family and friends. Her recommendation for all, is to fall in love, and have a great summer of romance.
Joshua Lee is a Y1, and says that during the spring and summer time, he spends a lot of time with his family. He goes to church a lot, and works at his fathers business. He loves NYC during its warmer months, and especially enjoys going to Soho, exploring Manhattan, and visiting the Rockaways to indulge in time at the beach. He recommends going to Korea town, to try food, walk around, and visit his dads hair salon: BOM hair salon.