Archive for the 'Dyker Heights' Category

Golf, Everyone?

Published
by
CWIlliams
on March 26, 2008
in Dyker Heights
. 0 Comments

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(Pictured, left sandtrap, right clubhouse)

Scheduled to open this July, the exterior of the Dyker Beach Park Junior Golf Course has been completed. Located on 14th Ave, and Poly Place, when it opens, all kids aged 6-17, can bring a parent and use it for free. Currently, a clubhouse learning center is under construction.
Many are excited by the project. Mayor Bloomberg hopes “To be able to introduce more young New Yorker’s in all five boroughs to the great game of golf.” (http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/index1.aspx?BD=19655).)
However, some residents wonder at its usefulness. Not everyone shares Bloomberg’s enthusiasm. Brinda Onisco, an administrator at P.S.112 , wonders, “What do they need a golf course for? Couldn’t that money go to schools, who are dealing with some major budgets cuts?” The Project is expected to cost over $3 million for construction, with another $3 million being put away for future costs. The project is receiving $1.5 million from the state; the difference is being raised by Senator Marty Goldman and the Cityparks Foundation.
Still, residents have other questions. “Whose gonna come all the way out here for golf?” asks Eric Eaton referring to the relative inaccessibility of Dyker Heights. “You gotta take a local train to a bus (B8) at the end of Brooklyn!” Dyker Heights can be a hard place to get to, especially when you don’t have a car, (like the average teenager). Eaton is referring to taking the R to 86th in Bay Ridge; an alternative route is to take the D train to New Uctrect and walk. “It’s a big waste of time, and money,” he decides.

Opinions vary, on the value of a kids’ golf course, but it is a fact that outdoor activities improve psychological, and physical health. (For more on benefits of golfing http://ezinearticles.com/?Health-Benefits-and-Golf&id=218442
Mary McKie is a mother of 3; two of her children, are teenagers “I wish I could get them out!” she says heartily “but to be honest, I feel like, there is less and less for them to do.” There has been a decline, in recreational activities as banks, and chain stores begin to dominate this part of Brooklyn.
“We used to go bowling, and skating, now all I see are big chain stores!”There’s softball and football leagues, but McKie comments “Not everyone is into that, and things get too competitive.”The Cityparks Foundation responded to the questions raised, by calling them “fair,” but they would not give a quote.

Do Not Feed The Animals!

Published
by
CWIlliams
on March 17, 2008
in Dyker Heights
. 0 Comments

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Easter, is almost here again. This is the time of year everyone remembers rabbits, buying and giving them as Easter presents. Not only are most of these rabbits discarded once the novelty wears out but many suffer at the hands of kids unaware that these animals have very delicate spines. Children tend to drop them, leading to a broken spine or legs and sometimes ending in death. For those of us who don’t have time for pets, but still like to look and if you live near Bay Ridge or Dyker Heights take a walk along side Poly Prep Country Day School in Dyker Heights. It maintains a little pond with a surprising number of animals, scattered through out the property. There are rabbits, swans, ducks, geese, chickens, roosters and turtles.
The pond itself is private property, but many people come daily to feed the birds through the fence all year round. “It gives me a reason to get out,” says Victoria Cassini, a senior who lives nearby.
“My granddaughter loves to come with me and it’s something we like to share.” A major problem arises though; the regular feedings encourage the animals into too relaxed a state, often wandering out into 7th Ave. to be victims of traffic or picked off by raccoons.
“The school takes a lot of pride in it, and it’s something the community really seems to enjoy, but that causes it’s own share of problems,” said Carl Masstif a security guard at the school.
Another common problem, after Easter, when the novelty of the rabbits die off, people leave their pets at city parks, or places like Poly Prep.” It’s sorta notorious around here,” said Marie August, a receptionist at the school. “Over the course of a few weeks more and more spring up!” The school does not add additional security, but some around the campus express anger, “People make bad choices, but then choose not to deal with them,” said Ms. August.
While a walk down 7th Ave. can be enjoyable, often you will find some things are better left as they are found. Poly Prep moved to its location in 1916 from 99 Livingston Street where it had become one of the largest prep schools in the country. Notable alumni include Arthur Levitt Jr., the longest serving chairman of the S.E.C, and actress Bonnie Somerville.
The school today still adheres to the founding father’s pledge of excellence “in all those studies and attainments that can enlarge the understanding, develop the mental action, cultivate the mind, and beautify and adorn the intellect and the heart.” You can visit their website at polyprep.org

A school song below.
FAR DOWN ON THE HEIGHTS CALLED DYKER
Far down on the heights called Dyker,
Overlooking New York Bay,
Stands a school with a tall white tower,
Greeting ships that ply their way.
Her young, as they leave her portals
With visions of world-wide fame,
Carry with them the fight of Poly,
Where they learned to play the game.
Poly! Poly! Poly! Poly!
Poly! Poly! Poly! Poly! Poly!