Since Fulton is getting the attention it deserves, it’s time to focus on a little known area of Fresno. It’s super indie and hipster, doubt you’ve heard of it. The kids call it: River Park.
Although really they should call it “The Park”. That sounds like just the right amount of douchey.
So yeah, all this mall-street buzz has me feeling all nostalgic for the good old days. The good old days of … THE Park.
I remember my mom bringing me there as a younger person. We used to roam through the old toy store. Remember? Like, the smart kid toy store or whatever, that’s now a Yardhouse?
Or World Sports Cafe? All the drunk times spent in there… drunk off all the Fresno State games I watched, of course. Ahhh, the times.
Oh and that one place on the corner before it became a Vegas style Subway. What the hell was the name of that place? I think it involved elephants or some shit. Yeah. Good memories.
Oh and remember the fountain in front of Edward’s? Ohhhh that fountain:
Now? It’s just pretty weeds. No water feature at all. So sad. Guess they didn’t want to fix it. No city budget and stuff.
It seems The Park needs a shot of something. Some change. Hell I’m just gonna say it: Open River Park to traffic!
Really though, look at that empty, abandoned store front right in the heart of THE Park:
If only I could drive my car right up to the front, I would SHOP THE FUCK out of that store! No matter what bullshit crap they were selling. But sadly there are those stupid table and chairs getting in my car’s way.
So, Mayor Swear Bear, on your way out, maybe hook The Park up with some of that tasty grant and measure money. If I can’t drive right up to the Five Guys then there is no point in going in and getting their wanna-be In&Out burgers.
And for you old readers of The Fresnan. Yes, I am totally ripping off an old post. But it’s cool because you can call it “re-purposing” and it makes it like, totally, totally fine.
Yeah, The Park is severely in need of revitalization. The design was right for it’s time, very innovative and well regarded during that era. But Fresno has moved so much farther along, and The Park needs to keep pace! Maybe we should encourage the Mayor to set up a focus group. Thanks for another very timely post, The Fresnan!
I avoid River Park like the plague. I hate driving around there, parking is horrid, and the hike to the stores is annoying. Ugh.