Washington Park — Attraction in City of Albany

I have often in the past drove through the park towards area hospitals located North of the park. It's a trek many take as a thoroughfare to many businesses and medical facilities and colleges. On a return from one of the big hospitals, I had a idea, I made a spontaneous decision to go thru Washington Parkand I just pulled over and parked. I sat and listened to music and answered my text and messages on my phone. I was enamored with the beautiful flora and of course the many folks walking or just sitting in the relaxed environ. After a while, I decided to take a look around the various arrangements of many different types of flowers and plants. Out of character, and of any semblance of my normal activity, I had the compunction to start photographing the flora. Along the way, everyone I encountered was friendly. Interactions ranged from simple head nods to dialog of the beautiful flowers and historic statues on the fountains. Before I realized it, after photographing and talking, petting various pets, and walking around the large park, 5 hours had passed. I was washed over by a feeling of peace and tranquility most of us in our day to day routines, seldom allow. I did, however, come to one conclusion from this visit, I will return more often. Soon the park will have Autumns beauty of radiant colors and I will take it in and be thankful for the day spontaneity reminded me to stop and look around at Gods beautiful...

I went to Washington Park with my niece (and it was supposed to be my brother but he could not find a parking spot unfortunately) for the annual Tulip Festival. I think it was exceptionally busy because some of the colleges had commencement exercises. I think that accounted for the additional amount of people who were there along with the fact that it was excellent weather. Unfortunately we only got to browse through and pick up some unique items from the various crafts and food booths. We also had a delicious chocolate strawberry and banana crepe which was so huge we shared it! We did not get a chance to walkthrough the park to see all the beautiful tulips and other spring flowers. Perhaps I will go back another time when they are still in bloom. The only suggestion I could make is that they should have had more places where you could park your car and take the shuttle to the festival. perhaps if that were so my brother would not have...

An Albany gem. Outdoor spaces are always treasures but the park is well kept and lovely. It was very clean and so many things were blooming yesterday...from flowering trees to tulips! If you are seeking the tulips dont wait for Mothers Day weekend they arent going to last...get there now...they are definitely at peak with many early bloomers already gone! The bulbs are on sale the 18th and 19th. 18th is pick your own, 19th is buy bagged. $10.00 a bag/approx. 30 bulbs. The tulip varieties are amazing, the beds well designed and marked so that you can know what you are seeing. We went early day, mid week and while there were a fair number of people, it wasnt over crowded and we easily got our photos. The park has many highlights beyond the blooms but this really is a must see if you like...