Parks
connect students with nature
By Kristen Wooley
On-line Forty-Niner
 Midterms
are on the way, which means stress, headaches
and more stress. During such nerve wrenching
times, peace and quiet is a necessity to
cure for midterm madness.
El Dorado Park is one of the best places
to see nature and not be interrupted by
screaming kids or barking dogs. The park
is located off the 605 freeway near Spring
Street in Long Beach. With two sections
of the park spanning over almost 500 acres
of land, finding a spot to b alone is not
difficult.
On the right side of Spring Street is El
Dorado East which covers over 400 acres
of park. There are several bodies
of water that are home to a variety of ducks,
geese and other parkland creatures.
There are many spots to lay out a blanket,
set up a few text-books and cram for exams.
When taking periodic breaks from the grind,
there are plenty of hungry birds to feed
and paths to explore. The bodies of water
are stocked monthly with fish, so visitors
can drop a line in while they relax in the
sun.
There are plenty of activities such as archery,
renting paddleboats and driving mini boats
around the ponds for entertainment. Conveniently
located across the premises are tables,
benches and bathroom facilities. There is
a $3 parking fee on weekdays and a $5 parking
fee on weekends. The park is closed on Mondays.
Across from Spring Street is the El Dorado
Nature Center, which is a little over 100
acres of paths and woodlands to disappear
in. Birds sing, foxes run through the meadows
and trees provide shelter from the
afternoon sun. Although the nature center
is not a place to picnic or play music,
it is a quiet haven.
Other local park and recreation centers
include Heartwell Park located at Carson
and Woodruff. The park has less trees, but
more open areas to fly a kite or play Frisbee.
There is also a baseball field for the sports
fans.
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