The Polar Bear Park
It has become the trade mark of the local Avenue S Park in Flatbush. Many call the local park in my neighborhood “the polar bear park “or “the park with the big bear” ; the name was given because of the big sculpture of a while polar bear placed at the main entrance of the park.
It has been there ever since the park was opened. More than just a piece of public art for the people of New York to look at, it has become a vital part of the park. Many kids (myself included) usually rush to sit on the polar bear or get a photograph of the polar bear even before they get on the equipment in the park. I have seen many children whine to their parents to help them sit on the polar bear .This bear has been a part of my life and every other kid in my neighborhood’s lives; it’s become a tradition almost, that every child must sit on the polar bear either before or after spending time in the park.
It was built when the park first opened up and hasn’t changed since. It hasn’t been repainted or reconstructed but it remains intact and in good shape (with just a few chips from certain corners). It might just be a sculpture of a polar bear but for the people in my neighborhood it has become a landmark. If a visitor from out of town is lost we just tell them to find the polar bear. I don’t think the people who first placed the bear knew it would have such great significance but to me and many others it a symbol of childhood memories and a big part of our lives!
