I need a reflection paper about visiting a park

Twentyseven years ago, Roxcy Bolten activist, feminist and trailblazer, came up with the wonderful idea to create the first nation’s park dedicated in honorto all woman contributions. A $1 million investment, this 16-acre Women’s Park located at 10255 W. Flagler St. opened in December 1992. At the opening ceremony, Bolten, the founding president, was named “Mother of the Park.” This is a beautiful and peaceful park; at the main gates, a placard states, “Gates of Love, Courage, & Wisdom.”

As a student at Miami Dade College, I participated in a cleanup at Women’s Park and spent the afternoon at the park. As I walked around and enjoyed the recreational facilities, such as: a kids playground, swings, and long side walks around the park. As I began to clean up the trash around the park, people walked passed me and just observed as I picked up. No one stopped to ask me what I was doing or bothered to help me clean up. It saddens me to know that people are that careless about such a beautiful park and do not bother to clean up after themselves. Although the park is pretty clean on it self, there are always people leaving trash behind and not appreciating the history of the park itself.

I have been to Women’s Park several times since I enjoy the gentle breeze and the lovely view of nature. In past times, I would come a lot with my partner and spend the afternoon. On our 12 month anniversary, we carved our names on one of the trees, since then, this park has always been very special to me. In addition, when I feel stressed or overwhelmed with school or family problems, I drive to the park and just listen to music and enjoy my love for nature by sitting in the grass. After one or two hours, of being there, I feel distressed and ready to go back to my normal happy life.

This lovely park is well liked by others, everytime I pass by or go it’s always filled with people doing exercise or walking around with their loved ones. Parents also tend to take their kids to the playground and walk them on the strollers. Parties also take place, last year, some Native Americans were dressed up and gathered to celebrate their traditions. Many picnics occur also at the location where families or lovers share a lovely afternoon together.

To me, the “Gates of Love, Courage and Wisdom” mean prosperity, equality and awareness. I am extremely honored that I get to spend the day at the first nations park in honor of all women where it symbolizes their hard work and contributions. As a femenist, these words mean history, bravery, knowledge and equality for all women. Throughout the past centuries, we were not respected and we could never speak our mind. Knowing that we are not alone, and that we had leaders to represent us and fight for our rights brings me pleasure.

Being part of the history of this park, brings me great pleasure. I always wanted to be part of women's history. Now that I have learned about the story behind Women's Park and with everything it comes with, I officially feel connected to women's history. Participating in this cleanup made me realize that I should do it more often to keep our beautiful park clean so everyone can enjoy their time here.