#76. AN EAR ON THE PARK

 

#76. AN EAR ON THE PARK

Jackhammering outside my apartment was driving me crazy. 

I’ll escape to the Park. Silly me. I had forgotten that the noise level inside the Park is often louder than the streets around it, the opposite of what you want in a park. Today was worse than usual. 

A red bearded young man had set up a complete drum kit right next to the Arch. Complete means a bass drum, a snare, a floor tom, two other toms, a crash cymbal, a ride cymbal, and a hi-hat cymbal. (What, no cowbell?) 

                 “Hey, isn’t this illegal?” 

                 “Nope, the Park bans amps. You see an amp?” 

Ok, he did not technically violate the Park rule against noise. But I think Frederick Law Olmstead just turned over in his grave. I leave and walk home amid the relative quiet of lower Fifth Avenue. 

 Next time I’ll bring ear plugs.