Just one week ago, Woodhaven was bracing for up to a foot of snow. Much digging and sledding followed (as we reported on here). But today was a much different story as people took advantage of the soaring temperatures, threw off their winter coats, and enjoyed the day. We reached a high of 66° today, and though there was still some ice and snow on the ground when the day started, by noon time it was pretty much gone.
Here's a sign that winter is behind us and summer is on the horizon -- along Atlantic Avenue the Christmas store is getting ready to shift their focus to summer supplies. It wont be long before people are shopping for new barbecues and patio sets. And further along Atlantic, handball season began at 89th Street Park.
We drove up Woodhaven Boulevard (which was now completely clear and dry) and saw some folks playing baseball and soccer at Victory Field. And all the playgrounds were busy as the kids were anxious to get on the swings. This is a great spot to take your kids, with the Carousel nearby, plenty of woods to explore, Strack Memorial Pond, and plenty of parking. Note: If you'd like to see some video of Woodhaven Boulevard and the park above in the Winter of 1966, click here. Driving through Forest Park, it was hard to believe that people were sledding here just 5 days ago. Today was a day for skateboards and walking your dog and enjoying everything Forest Park has to offer. And when people ran out of room to play, they improvised. Over behind the Seuffert Bandshell, just to the side of the skateboarders, a bunch of folks played volleyball on a makeshift court. And if they weren't playing sports, they dragged their bicycles out of their garages for a spin. The bikes weren't rusty, but the riders were. But they looked like they were having a great time, especially going down the hills! More bicyclists along Park Lane South, and yet another busy playground. Everywhere you looked, people were out and about and having fun. 
And finally, on Jamaica Avenue, one stubborn piece of ice lingers. Meanwhile, the warm weather marks the return of the hot dog stand. Can Italian Ices be far behind?
If you have any comments, or would like to suggest other projects, drop us a line at info@projectwoodhaven.comor projectwoodhaven@aol.com.
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Photos by Joey Wendell