Central Park

The Daily Plant : Monday, November 18, 2002

RUN, PARKIES, RUN

"I wasn’t sure how the old wheels would perform," sighed Parks E-Government Director Andy Wilson. "But once I crossed the Queensborough Bridge, I knew I was going to make it." The figurative "wheels" Wilson referred to were his own legs, and the feat he accomplished was the 2002 New York City Marathon held in all five boroughs on Sunday, November 3, 2002.

But Wilson wasn’t the only Parkie or former Parkie to cross this year’s finish line in Central Park. Among this year’s runners were WEP Analyst Meredith Freimer (3:27:04), Partnerships for Parks Technical Assistance Manager Charlotte Kaiser (4:01:54), former Director of Field Operations Jake Cooper (2:50:36), former Commissioner’s Staff Member John Swagerty (3:28:47).

Harris Kaplan, a Project Manager at Prospect Park, finished this year’s race in 4:34:20. Kaplan was impressed by "all of the great posters with drawings and slogans hung on the fences of parks and playgrounds along the way." This race marked Kaplan’s third New York City Marathon and his fifth marathon anywhere.

Meredith Freimer, who, beginning Monday will have shifted lanes to work at NRG, ran her first marathon this year. "It was amazing," said Freimer. "There were neighborhoods that I had never gotten to see in Queens and Brooklyn." Helping her along the way was a t-shirt her boyfriend had made for her. Across the shirt’s front were the words Go Meredith, which the crowds would cheer along the way. "I couldn’t stop and walk because it would be embarrassing and you’d disappoint them."

Although he was recovering from a knee condition, Andy Wilson still had plenty of reasons to stay the course. "The best part for me was when my Dad came up and surprised me with my brothers and a sign," said Wilson. "I also kept saying to myself that these were only the last 26 miles of over 500 miles of training," he said, later adding, "I never could have made it through the whole ordeal without the advice and coaching of Jake Cooper." Repeating mantras like "not today" and "only look ahead," Wilson finished his first marathon in 4:08:23.

On September 13, 1970, New York City’s first marathon was held entirely in Central Park, with prizes paid to the winners out of the pocket of its founder, Fred Lebow. Serving as president of the New York Road Runners Club from 1972 to 1993, Lebow contributed to the growth of the Marathon into an international event, attracting more than $100 million annually in revenue from visitors to New York City. This year, first place went to Joyce Chepchumba (2:25:56) and Rodgers Rop (2:08:07).

Congratulations to all the Parkies that ran in this year’s marathon, and thank you to all those who helped organize the event and cheer those on who took to the streets.

Regina Enid Osorio, mother of Parks’ own Jillian Osorio, passed away on Sunday, November 10. A memorial service has been held. Parks extends its condolences to Jillian, an Officer at Central Communications, and her family.

(Monday, November 27, 1989)

One of the most popular items on youngsters Christmas lists this year are hi-tech basketball sneakers. Kids ages 9 to 15 will get their chance to win a pair at the citywide Second Annual Pelham Fritz Memorial Classic Basketball Tournament beginning January 6, 1990.

The basketball tournament was established last year in memory of former Assistant Commissioner for Recreation Pelham H. Fritz, who died November 12, 1988 at the age of 68. Commissioner Fritz was an outstanding basketball player and president of the National Oldtimers Inc. Basketball League and the famed Rucker Memorial I.T.T. Summer Basketball League tournaments held each year at Holcomb Rucker Playground in Manhattan

"I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I’ve ever known."

(1901- 1966)

Know Before You Go

Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center