Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Long Story Short

My name is Sarah, I have been nannying in New York City for over two years and my goal is to visit and review every playground in Manhattan.  There are several reasons for taking on this daunting task:

1. The girls--The girls I nanny are wonderful.  At almost 4 and almost 7 they are my partners in crime, my closest consultants, and my life coaches.  We've been together for almost 3 years and they know more about me than anyone.  Sadly, with school days getting longer as they grow older, they won't need me much longer.  Both the girls and I refuse to say goodbye without a bang, and exploring every playground in Manhattan seems like a great send off to me. They both agree.
2. The goal--I am very goal oriented.  Like the girls, I always need "something to do."  Give me a list so I can check things off and I am completely happy.  Lexi, the almost 7 year old, is very similar.  Much of her playtime consists of "planning." She makes lists of things she wants to do, who she is going to do them with, and then she sets off on "setting things up."
3. Because it's helpful-- As a frequent playground visitor, I can't tell you how many times I have wished someone would've told me there's a sneaky bathroom around the corner or the sandbox is really a filthbox. Finding a nice, shady park is like finding gold. Finding a nice, shady park that the kids don't find "boring" is like striking oil.  My plan is to tell you which parks are which, and which ones aren't worth your plastic shovels.

If you have any questions about the parks, feel free to ask.  Chances are I know the answer.

Wish me luck!

4 comments:

  1. Already I love this site. This is a really laudable goal.

    Would you accept guest submissions from non-Manhattan playgrounds, say, those on Staten Island or something? (I am on Staten Island myself, though my nieces are moving to another borough soon.)

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  2. Conuly-- Thank you so much for the positive feedback! The site, as well as the 207-playground goal, has been quite the journey and the girls and I are excited take on the task! Guest submissions are more than welcome. Try and stick to the same "template" I use so the posts all fit together nicely. Send me an e-mail and I'll be happy to work with you.

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  3. Absolutely, then :) Thankies!

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  4. "Trackback" from http://hello.kaboom.org/posts/2783

    You have certainly set a high goal for yourself, I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. You might find the Kaboom! playground finder, and especially the Park-a-Day Summer Challenge, interesting as you continue your quest. I'm looking forward to seeing more updates on your progress.

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