"Thou shalt not leave mustard spilled on picnic tables in the city parks."
That would be rule No. 1 in a Greater Grand Forks Summer Guidebook for Gracious Living -- if there was such a book. Steve Mullally who oversees the city parks says cleaning up after your picnic is a great courtesy to the next group. Last year, there were 244 reservations for city parks by the end of June. This year at that point, there were 319 reservations. And by the end of the year, an estimated 83,500 people will have attended picnics in Grand Forks parks.
That's a lot of potato salad, hot dogs and pickles. That's why the park district asks people to clean up and make the places inviting for others. People who want to plan picnics make reservations by going to the Park District Offices at 1210 Seventh Ave. S. The phone number there is (701) 746-2750.
Beyond picnics, people plan weddings in the city parks. In June, there had been 10 in University Park. Another favorite spot is Sertoma Park behind Altru Hospital.
The parks are in full glory. Good manners make them even better.
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- If you bring your pets, be sure they are leashed and pick up after them.
- Treat the park as though it was your own property.
- Respect the people nearby.
- Honor closing hours of the parks.
More good and gracious rules are promoted around the city swimming pools:
- Take a shower before going into the pools. Don't duck out.
- Be helpful to the little kids. Give them right of way at Elks and University splash parks.
On the golf course:
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- Do not start whistling when your golfing companion is lining up for a putt.
- Hold your distance; don't hit into the foursome ahead.
- Be upbeat and congratulate your companion on a good shot. Do not flip out if you have a couple of bad shots. After all, if you can't take golf, you can't take life.
At the City Band Concerts:
- Director Don Craig welcomes you to come early and maybe have a picnic.
- If you are listening in your car, it's OK -- even good -- to honk at the close of a piece.
Walking the dog on a summer evening:
- Carry a bag to pick up droppings.
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- Move the dog over to the edge of the sidewalk when passing others.
- Remember, there is an ordinance that all dogs need to be on a leash.
Riding the bike on a sunny summer evening:
- Watch out for pedestrians and form single file when passing or meeting others on bikes.
- Listen to Carma Hanson and wear your helmet when biking.
- Bikers and runners should give some warning they are approaching from behind walkers.
On the playgrounds:
- Big kids shouldn't horse around on the baby swings and their portion of the park.
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- Older children are at their best when they help the little ones.
- Candy wrappers belong in guess what -- the garbage cans.
Visiting the courts:
- Take note of Themis, Goddess of Justice, atop the Grand Forks County Court House
- Remember to remove your hat in the courtroom.
- Spectators may not make comments.
At the ballpark:
- Don't holler at the young kids who are trying their best.
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- Give the players some encouragement when they come up to bat.
Reach Marilyn Hagerty at mhagerty@gra.midco.net or at (701) 772-1055.
