In-line Skating at Kearney Park
Today was a first. I've been skating at Kearney Park since 1995, and this was the very first time that I have seen another skater (who wasn't with me).
He wasn't too friendly, just skating and listening to his MP3 player, and he probably didn't know why I was so enthusiastic when I said hello. I have hoped, for years, that Kearney would become a place for walkers, runners, strollers, skaters and cyclists.
Several cities have parks that close to cars on either Saturday or Sunday mornings, so that folks can enjoy these other activities free from traffic. Golden Gate Park closes a major street each weekend day. This provides a relaxing environment for re-creation.
Kearney Park's loop is almost exactly 1 1/2 miles around. The street is in pretty good condition and is very level. It can be skated by any level of skater. This would be a great place to take kids who are just learning how to ride a bike too. Mom's who like to run with a jogging stroller would be in for a treat.
The Park is beautiful. It has an incredible variety of trees, and the histroic Kearney Mansion. From downtown Fresno, drive west on Fresno Street 1 mile to Kearney Boulevard. Turn right on Kearney Boulevard and drive 6 miles to the entrance of Kearney Park on the left (http://valleyhistory.org/KearneyMansionMuseum.html).
If you were coming from woodward park area, take 41 south, 180 west, 99 south, Fresno street exit, right on Fresno, right on Kearney Blvd. Kearney Blvd. is an incredible drive. You can either follow the tree-lined boulevard or follow the signs to a straighter/quicker route.
I'll be out there on Sunday morning, my wife and I usually get there about 9:00. The park opens at 7:00, although the staff are sometime slow to open the gate. Drive around the back, behind the mansion and there is a pedestrian gate that's open. There is a $4 entrance fee, but the county rarely has anyone in the booth (and they never have change for a $20).
I'd love to see more folks out there enjoying this special place for recreation. Someday maybe we could get the bike path cleaned up that leads to the park from West Fresno.
Hooray for In-line skates!
I've recently have gotten into in-line skating and was wondering if Kearney Park was a good place to skate and I think you've answered that question for me. lol I'll be sure to go there.
in-line skating
I want to learn to in-line skate and was looking for a place to do it safely when I ran across your blog about Kearney Park. Could I meet you there? I don't own a pair of skates yet, simply because I don't know enough about the sport to confidently purchase a pair that is appropriate for my needs. My goal is to exercise and have fun - and possible relive my childhood days on roller skates. I am middle aged, getting plump and would like to experience the wind in my hair again. The treadmill is much too boring. Please email me at dandy@sti.net and put "in-line skating" in your subject line. I don't regularly visit this website (I live in Oakhurst), but it doesn't matter how long it takes you to respond. Thanks.
Kearney Boulevard
Part of going to Kearney Park from downtown Fresno is to cruse Kearney Boulevard on the way there, unless you're coming from Kerman, you should always take Kearney Boulevard. Or if you live north or south near Chateau Fresno Ave. or Garfield Ave. then drive north or south on that road.
not to confuse
Well the real Kearney, the one with the trees, curves to the south.
At Marks, you have a choice to turn to the left, this stays with the trees, and is the real Kearney Blvd. The sign indicates to go straight, which is the shorter route, on Madison. These two joiin back together at Cornelia.
This seems way more confusing than it really is. It's just sort of an example of the utilitarian vs. the beautiful. Speed vs. Wonder.
Craig
What is an authentic community?
Kearney Park
Where is this shorter, non-Kearney Blvd route?
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