Betsy Head Park — Attraction in New York

A large, much needed, and much used park in the middle of the concrete expanses of Brownsville. I came to stand in a patchy field of dirt for the free SummerStage concert with Public Enemy.

I was surprised how slowly the crowd built. At start time, most of the people were seated around the surprisingly plentiful risers way out along the edge. Here I was worried that getting there at 5 for the 7 o'clock show was a little late. I dragged my friend right up to the railing that separated the crowd from the press area. I did not come to not be up front, dead center, my man.

This park was built to handle large sporting events. Though you can quickly see that dropped off a long time ago. But it's nothing that a new & improved track and some extensive sod work can't fix. It just needs as much will from the community representatives as it does money.

The show was excellent! Not even the soundman could mess up our good time. Yeah, dude.. You done f'd up. City Parks Foundation - SummerStage pulled off a coup for the Betsy Head Park. Public Enemy on Tuesday, Angie Stone & DJ Chuck Chillout on Wednesday. WHAT?!?

My wasted youth was slighted mitigated by FINALLY seeing Public Enemy live. And closer than I could have ever gotten if I had to pay stadium prices with my Wiz paycheck in the early 90s. My inner Cheap Bastard was downright orgasmic by the time Flava Flav did "911 is a Joke". I still haven't recovered. I don't think I can have a bad day for a month behind all the endorphins Chuck D's voice dumped into my system.

This is what happens when a bunch of Hip-Hop old-heads get together. Nuttys and weed move through the crowd and everyone has a fantastic time! I left drenched and dusty as a mug, but I didn't care. This PE concert might go down as one of the best times I've...

The place looks so much better than it used to. I've already done a few workouts on it so, I'll break this review into parts.

Cleaning: I haven't seen many workers specifically cleaning the workout equipment. However the people, like myself, who have used the machines usually clean them off. As for Garbage and debris, the park staff has been amazing.

The Track: It only has a few lanes but, sharing is caring. The ppl that I have seen on it have established that the inside 2 lanes are for walkers;outside lanes are for running. As for the material used to make the track; grade A rubber which is great for running impact.

The Field: The field is turf with 2 baseball fields on it. It can be used for soccer or possibly football but, there aren't any markings for those sports on the ground. For working out, it's great to do football/soccer sprints on it if you can mark out your own yardage. Outside of the main area there are also basketball and handball courts that have been slightly updated.

Bathroom and Water fountains: I haven't been able to access the bathroom as of yet but I'm sure it will be open soon. As for the fountains... Covid is still alive and well, I would bring my own water. The fountains...

I like this space. It is more for outdoor sporting activities rather than lounging. It is Summer time and it is active but not crowded. You can find groups of kids participating in their planned sport sponsored by the city, people walking and running around the track, some using the gym apparatus, others are taking in the views while sitting on one of the ample seating provided around the track. In the distance from where I sit, there is a group of mostly middle-aged to senior African-American women doing line dance to the tunes of the Electric slide and the like. The class is free and they are there most weekday mornings from 9 (I think). Right next to the field and track area is the Olympic sized pool. I have not tried it as yet, but seems like people are enjoying that space too... I mean it is a pool after all. Not too far away from here is a sizeable playground and skate park. What more can you ask for? Well... I am going to ask the price of the icy from the cart vendor because today is a...