Pappas Park open field

Pappas Park open field

Unique landscape for Beverly Pappas Park

This is just one of Greece’s neighborhood parks, but certainly one of the more unique among them.  The shape the of the park is something like an uppercase L.  The topography is even more interesting: the park is somewhat of a valley with the bulk of the park being at the lowest part and the perimeter of the park being at the highest park.  Because of the level differences, we did notice quite a few drains throughout the park.  As you enter the park from Haviland Pk. the main open space is directly ahead and is quite large. As you walk further into the park down this corridor, the Pappas Park curves around to the right and presents another open field (not level, unfortunately) and another entrance to the park on California Dr.  There does seem to be an extension of Pappas Park across Bennington Drive, but that lot is completely undeveloped and does not look suitable for any kind of activity.

Large play structure

Large play structure

Great Playground and Swingset

The residents around Pappas Park are definitely blessed to have a great playground nearby.  There are two play structures, large and small, a three-bay swing set (two toddler, two big kid and a handicap swing), and two rockers.  As mentioned above, this is very much a neighborhood park.  There is an extremely small parking area at the entrance–probably big enough for two or three cars to park.  Near the playground, there is a bike rack and large park bench. At the entrance from California Drive, there is a park sign listing some rules, the closing time (10 PM) and a very unusual sign that reads “NO BALL PLAYING.”  I’m not sure what the Town of Greece is going for here, but I would definitely like to inquire at some future point why this rule is in place.

Tire tracks in field

Tire tracks in field

A Few Downsides to Pappas Park

Of the three things we look for when visiting a park, an eating area (consisting of both a picnic table and barbecue), open field and playground, Pappas Park did not have an eating area.  There were no picnic tables or barbecues.  This definitely brings the overall quality of the park down a few notches.  I could imagine that because of the target audience for this park (people living nearby and walking) they might assume most people are just here to play.  The Town of Greece should, perhaps, consider adding a single eating area to this park to encourage greater use and more enjoyment. Pictured at left is a somewhat clear view of some vandalism that has taken place in the park in recent months.  When I visited this park, a resident explained to me that some people had been through with some ATVs recently.  This is obviously pretty bad for any park, but particularly Pappas Park with its unique topography.  Greece Police should be aware of the situation and do something about it.