My Park Story: Rashaun Edwards

By Rashaun Edwards, a Greening Youth Foundation Digital Communications intern working in the Youth Programs Division
~ Dedicated to Sharon McCallum, my grandmother

Rashaun Edwards at Georgetown Waterfront Park soaking up the sun

Photo Courtesy of Rashaun Edwards

From my earliest memories as a child, I have always felt a deep connection with nature and have found solace in the great outdoors. With bare feet and boundless curiosity, I would eagerly venture into my backyard during those warm summer days, marveling at the hidden wonders of the natural world. I transformed into a daring pirate on a quest for buried treasure, digging fervently in the soil only to unearth a world teeming with tiny creatures like worms and beetles. Armed with a makeshift net lovingly created by my grandmother, I would chase butterflies, their vibrant colors dancing against the backdrop of the clear blue sky. I would sit against the weed-strewn pavement, plucking dandelions and blowing their seeds into the air, wishing for a larger backyard to explore. Time seemed to stand still as dragonflies buzzed past, their iridescent wings glistening in the sunlight. I would lose myself in the enchantment of the natural world, staying outside until the sun retreated behind the horizon, allowing the stars and moon to take center stage in the darkened sky. Even when sudden summer rain showers would arrive, I would defiantly stay outside, singing "Rain, Rain, Go Away," as I danced and splashed in the puddles.

Rashaun and twin sister together in their childhood backyard

Photo Courtesy of Rashaun Edwards

Later, after seeing my interest in exploring the outdoors and how I immersed myself with learning more about flora and fauna, my grandmother would take me to the Haffen Park in the Bronx, a borough of New York City, where I was raised. I recall being filled with excitement as she put her car in park and started to assemble our belongings. Immediately, I would run towards the entrance, my eyes gazing towards the open space. Now in retrospect, the park was not as expansive as I thought it was when I was a child, but compared to my backyard, it was a greater chance for more discovery, imagination, and playfulness.

As I grew older, the demands of school and the weight of academic responsibilities began to overshadow my connection with the outdoors. However, I recognized the importance of nurturing my love for nature, and I made it a point to visit Central Park whenever possible. The park became my sanctuary, a refuge from the bustling urban environment that surrounded me. Exploring the enchanting Conservatory Garden, finding solace in the tranquility of Cherry Hill, and losing myself in the whimsical Shakespeare Garden became cherished rituals for me. Being raised in an environmentally disadvantaged community, I could not ignore the ecological injustices that plagued many neighborhoods around me. This included the constant barrage of noise pollution from road traffic, construction, and trains, as well as the presence of waste facilities and the high emission of pollutants. Immersing myself in green spaces reminded me of the inherent value of nature and fueled my passion for environmental justice.

Wandering through Central Park, I would often find myself drawn to The Pond, where I would reflect upon one of my favorite books, "The Catcher in the Rye." Like the novel's protagonist Holden, I would ponder the fate of the ducks that frequented the frozen pond during the winter months. The winter, with its harsh weather and snowstorms in New York, often limited my ability to fully enjoy the outdoors. Yet, it served as a reminder to appreciate the changing seasons and the precious moments I could spend in nature.

Journal pictured in a grassy place

Photo Courtesy of Rashaun Edwards

I yearned for a place where I could experience the beauty of a green space year-round, free from the constraints of weather and seasonal limitations. While I learned to appreciate every season, I found a particular joy in embracing the rejuvenation of spring and the warmth of summer, taking the time to truly pause and smell the roses that adorned my path. As I continue to navigate through life, I carry with me the lessons learned from my childhood explorations and the profound impact of nature on my well-being. I strive to find moments of connection with the natural world, to immerse myself in its beauty, and to advocate for the preservation of green spaces for generations to come. My childhood park story is one of rediscovering the enchantment of nature, cherishing its restorative power, and honoring the responsibility we have to protect and nurture our environment.

Fast forward to college, as the spring semester of my senior year at the Georgetown University came to an end, I felt the overwhelming weight of stress and exhaustion from a demanding courseload. Realizing the toll it had taken on my well-being, I made a conscious decision to reconnect with my inner child and find solace in the outdoors. Reflecting on my love for nature and exploration, I ventured outside, armed with a blanket, and made my way to Georgetown Waterfront Park, which is within walking distance. It is part of Rock Creek Park.

The Georgetown Waterfront Urban Renewal Project, which began in the 1970s, included the Georgetown Waterfront Park in its design and development. The park was intended to be a place where locals could engage in recreational activities and take in the Potomac River's scenic surroundings. Today, the park is a place for pleasure and helps preserve and improve the environment. The park uses eco-friendly design components to maintain biodiversity and improve the area's ecological integrity, such as native plants and stormwater control systems.

With a mind still buzzing with thoughts about my end-of-year performance, summer plans, and how to rediscover my adventurous spirit, I made a deliberate choice to set aside my worries and focus on what I could control. As the sun warmed my skin, I opened my journal and began writing words of encouragement to myself. With each deep breath, I could feel the stress of the academic year slowly dissipating, and a sense of connection returning to my body.

Lying on the grassy field, I had an epiphany about the importance of boundaries in my life. Without play and recreation to balance the work, burnout becomes inevitable. Observing the people around me engaged in various activities—a family enjoying a picnic, a cyclist pedaling along a trail, a community gathering to watch a performance—I reminded myself that life doesn't wait for anyone. We are all blessed with the same 24-hour window of opportunity each day, and it is up to me to use that time wisely, creating a harmonious blend

Flock of Canada geese streaming down body of water pictured at Georgetown Waterfront

Photo Courtesy of Rashaun Edwards

Gazing up at the sun, I was reminded of the painting, “Landscape with the Fall of Icarus.” It struck me that suffering and tragedy often depend on perspective. While our own personal experiences and challenges may consume us, the world continues to turn, brimming with beauty and opportunity. Rather than fixating on past mistakes or setbacks, I vowed to keep a healthy distance from the sun, finding perspective and embracing the remarkable wonders of nature and the world around us.

In this moment of introspection, I realized the significance of finding balance, nurturing our inner child, and reconnecting with the world outside. The park became my sanctuary, where I could recalibrate my mind, body, and spirit. As I left that day, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to prioritize my overall well-being. Instead of flying too close to the sun, I am learning to keep a reasonable distance to prioritize my aspiration, yet also be grounded when those opportunities present themselves. I know that the child within me appreciates the effort I put in to set aside time to escape the chaos of adult life and center myself in green spaces. That younger self would have described the local park as otherworldly.