With more than a week of 90-degree weather, summer has definitely hit. Now that the sun is shining and the view of New York City couldn’t be better, the parks along Boulevard East in West New York have really started to come alive.
Even the partly cloudy weather on July 4 couldn’t stop people from jogging, walking their dogs or just sitting on the park benches facing the New York City skyline.
For the many hot dog vendors and other food trucks that were set up along the Boulevard, the summer has meant a lot more business.
“Business definitely picks up in the summer,” said Slym Gonzalez, who was on the Boulevard last week but usually runs the hot dog stand, his father’s, on Bergenline Avenue.
What do people do?
For the town’s kids, summertime means no more school, leaving a lot more time to play in the Boulevard’s playgrounds and basketball courts.
Desiree Estepa, 4, was taking a break from riding her pink Barbie bicycle to have a vanilla ice cream cone from the Mr. Softee truck stationed on the Boulevard for the holiday.
Many West New York residents visit the park daily as part of their exercise routine, whether it be running or walking their dogs.
“I run in here almost everyday,” said Angel Pena, pointing to his apartment building, which was just across the street.
“I come here everyday to walk my dog,” said Janet Arellano, who was taking a break with her Dalmatian, Angel. Others park visitors are less active and just come to escape their jobs and other mandatory activities.
“I am supposed to be at work now,” said Paul Mangarelli, 19, who works at Bed, Bath and Beyond during the summer.
Getting ready for vacation
While this summer might just be the same as last year for some town residents, other people along the Boulevard were looking forward to some big vacations at the end of the summer.
“Just like every summer, we go to the beach,” said Arellano, who usually visits Seaside Heights or Long Branch. “I am going to Cancun, Mexico at the very end of the summer,” said Rich Schubach, who was visiting the Boulevard to watch the Fourth of July fireworks.
However, other people visiting the Boulevard were already on vacation.
“It is just very relaxing,” said Lynn Bass who was visiting the area from Texas. “We don’t have one developed system of parks like this in Texas.”