I like this place. It's a nice park. Then again, it doesn't take much to please me. Give me wide…read moreopen spaces, some trees or nice flowers, a place to picnic, and I'm a happy camper.
This is officially known as First Responders Park, in the town of Gates. Though it's been around awhile, it's a little-known park to anybody outside the EMS, police or fire department community. Except for residents that are nuts about soccer. And that's where I come in. My cousin is an Olympic gold medalist (in soccer) and Daughter loves soccer, too. Chances are very good if there is a decent soccer field with in 50 miles, I know about it.
This soccer field's a good one. It's a huge, well-maintained, grassy area, with over a dozen soccer nets. The soccer field is edged with trees, and at the one end of the field is a little bridge and a hiking path that disappears into the beautiful woods surrounding the field. Diagonally across from the bridge, on the other side of the spacious parking lot, is a nice playground for the kids. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, it's taped off. Hopefully though, the kiddos can come play here soon.
One thing here that kind of puts a damper on picnicking, is there is only one grill for community use. Unfortunately, it's very close to the playground. Now I'm a mom, so my maternal instinct is kicking in and I'm thinking it's way too close to the playground, and it's far from the picnic benches on the one side of the (maintenance?) building. Though I've never seen anyone that could even remotely be considered a shady character, I would keep an extra close eye on the Wee Ones, especially if someone was using the grill. Besides, even they weren't, you never know if the grill is still hot (gosh, there's that maternal instinct again!).
Now unless the town of Gates is planning to install more, there's only two picnic benches on the one side of the building that has a patio. Otherwise, I'd suggest bringing a blanket, laying it on the ground and having your picnic while the kiddos play. Lack of a picnic table never killed anyone.
Another suggestion? Don't wear a fragrance. Wear sunscreen and insect repellent. I wasn't planning on stopping here, so I didn't think about it till I had several large bees chase me. But I was wearing eau de parfum as usual. And it was gardenia. Suffice to say I spent a fair amount of time in the car with the windows rolled up. And I didn't even get a chance to go for a hike, because I was too busy cowering in my car. I'm not allergic to bees, but these were big bumblers, and I wasn't taking chances.
Bottom line: bring a blanket, charcoal, lighter fluid, a picnic, soccer ball &/or frisbee, wear sunscreen and insect repellent, and be prepared to have some family fun.