As a native Chicagoan I have very fond memories of growing up in the city during the winter time. And once again I take myself back to the days of watch service at church on New Years Eve praying in the New Year. But what some may fail to realize is that as we were praying on our knees some of us were also ducking gun shots!
So where does that leave a child who was blessed to make it to another year mentally. Even in the safest of places I knew I wasn't really safe. NYE brings out the boozed bandits. The congregation knew that doors would be locked promptly at 10:45pm to avoid any NYE issues on the low-end of Chicago.
That inspired me to blog a bit on winter fun. We know our city is segregated...it's not a surprise. But I think about activities in the snow and accessibility to events and I come up short. I've lived in the south suburbs, Historic Pullman, Chatham, Englewood, Auburn Gresham and now Edgewater. My experience within the city has helped me realize that your surroundings will dictate your activities or recreation.
But even with park space there may not be any winter seasonal activities for you or your kids at the local park district. This is a bit tricky though. If you don't have a demand for activities then they don't exist. I know what you're thinking. Well if I don't have any options how can I demand anything right?
Some of this responsibility falls on community members, leaders and home owners.
Don't spend the rest of our wonderful winter indoors sulking. Our city is alive all year round! The south side and the west side of Chicago aren't forgotten we've been hibernating. Get outside in the cold and make some winter memories in OUR city. Take a train somewhere you've never been. Go to a nature center and spend an hour. You could also take all that snow and make your own backyard slope for the kids. Be creative never be complacent.
Yours truly,
Chicago's Green Queen
