This past Sunday – as it was such a glorious day – we visited Si’de Park.
I’m always hesitant to say much about this park for fear the hoards at Chaoyang Park will suddenly realize they don’t need to be packed like sardines into the same green space and our quaint neighborhood park will be overrun by the masses – but that’s a risk I’m willing to take.
There is a lot to enjoy at Si’de. Personally, I like the paths that wander through the trees and the greenery and watching children play at the pond. Even seeing the rivalries that take place on the courts – where teams vie for supremacy – can be relaxing.
However, the best fun is watching the sheer joy kids get out of jumping on the big trampoline tucked in the back of the park amidst the amusement rides. For 3 kuai, a child can have ten minutes (though the trampoline attendant tends to let the time stretch a bit) of unbridled silliness as they try and escape the physics of gravity again and again and again.
For Reina, whether it’s alone or with other children, the ecstasy of the trampoline is always a joyous occasion and observing her enthusiasm is priceless – even if it does take a bit of change out of my pocket.
Si’de Park is open daily from 6am to 9pm and there is no admission fee.
Photo by Christopher Lay
