Continuing on with the Photos of Places in All Native, the novel, I take a look at the places BJ wandered through on the day after he got into trouble, and one of his and Nate's favorite hang-outs, McClymont Park. My memory might be off on some of these sites so don't be shy to correct me if I'm wrong! Thanks to my son, Conall, for taking on the role of "strolling kid."
DOUG KERR FIELD
First up was the Doug Kerr field, and the bleachers BJ first rested on that afternoon. It still looks pretty much the same, although the bleachers and the sign are new. Fun fact: Several years ago, this park was claimed by dog lovers as an unofficial dog park and the Roosevelt park field was made the Doug Kerr field (I actually oversaw this, at the behest of city council, in my rec director days), but it was short-lived and it is, once again, home to little league ball!
KIN HUT
During his walk, BJ took a bit of a nap on the bleachers at the Kin Hut site in McClymont Park. The empty space in the background was once occupied by the Kin Hut, where specials events/parties were held, and live bands performed in front of. There was a lawn in the foreground that filled in, of all things, a former outdoor swimming pool! Of course, this and the lower part, is now a skate park.
THE STRETCH
The main pathway through the park along Hays creek.
"EIGHTH TO THE LEFT OF ME, SHERBROOKE TO THE RIGHT, HERE I AM ..."
The new-ish bridge crossing the creek on the path between 8th East and Sherbrooke Avenue. I believe the old bridge had the classic, round orange metal railings, and there were no railings at all off of the bridge itself.
THE WAY TO 8TH AND THE INNER SANCTUM
The path to 8th East. About two-thirds of the way up the stairs and into the bushes on the left, is approximately where I envisioned the boys' favorite fort, or Inner Sanctum.
WHO THE HECK'S BILLY JACK?
"The Tree," where the boys liked to meet, get high and philosophize, which is just a little farther in along the trail than described in the book. I was really tempted to hang out for awhile. :)
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