Flushing, NY

I love tennis but unfortunately I don't play very well (unless we're talking video games), which is why I do love to watch the sport and appreciate the precision, strategies and athletics involved in the activity. In anticipation of the upcoming events scheduled for August, I decided that today's turtle run would be around the tennis stadiums in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

The US Tennis Association (USTA) hosts the US Open at the Arthur Ashe Stadium and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center every August in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The planes are re-routed not to fly over at that time, which is something that only a native New Yorker would notice. The absence of noise is always invigorating during a zen moment while enjoying a slow jog. If you stand at the gates of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, you can actually see a lovely view of the Unispere and the Court of States. East of the Unisphere are the Soccer Fields where most kids run to play a pick up game after using the tennis courts, which are open to the public throughout the year. There are indoor and outdoor courts and programs for adults, youths, and seniors. You can find out more information regarding events and available programs from the USTA website here.

Meanwhile, here is some eye candy from my turtle run. Enjoy!

I'm addicted to my turtle runs in the morning. I can't imagine my day without having a slow jog with my Nikon. There are so many beautiful sites to see in my neck of the woods known as Queens County. Truth is, each borough has something special to offer. They all have a soul and flavor that is very unique. We are talking eye candy, people. Did I mention I am a visual person? I think I did, but I'll say it again, in case I did not. Being an artist has its perks when you live in New York City, and one of the biggest benefits of being a native New Yorker is you know where to go to get your visual fix if need be. So today I am going to share one of my favorite places to be and let you see how much eye candy the Court of Sates in Flushing Meadow Corona Park can be. Enjoy!

I love getting my kids on the school bus, then taking my bloggers butt over to Meadow Lake to do my turtle run in the morning. According to the NYC Parks Department: "This 84-acre manmade body of sparkling, fresh water is New York City's largest lake. A popular spot for boating, fishing, crew, and sailing, the water keeps splashing while scores of other recreational activities fill the surrounding athletic fields, bike paths, a model plane facility, and picnic areas."

Well, I can tell you they certainly summed it up rather nicely. I love jogging in this place! My kids, family and friends spend a lot of their play time here. It's minutes from Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Briarwood, Whitestone and Forest Hills. The Grand Central Parkway runs parallel on one side while the Whitestone Expressway flanks the opposite shores.

Here are a few views from my warm up and slow jog starting at the Boat House. For some really great things to do at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, check out this link from NYC.gov:

http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/vt_flushing_07.html

I Love New York. Enjoy your day!