By Citlay Lopez Solis
Passaic Park is well known around town as a beautiful park with beautiful trees, a pond and of course, the beautiful Boathouse Cafe. The Park itself has a bandstand, a playground and sprinklers for children, and an Ice Skating Rink. The Park has been around for many years. Many of our parents, and even grandparents, remember going to that park for fun, maybe even to get engaged. Many people go there even today, to walk and practice for activities, games and especially to eat at the Boathouse Cafe.
This Park is a special central place for the city of Passaic. It is a place where people of all races and ethnicities come together, to peacefully share and enjoy the beauty that Passaic has to offer. We are really lucky to have such a place in town, where people of different religions can enjoy the environment of the park and the delicious food at the Boathouse.
If you have not been there, the food selections include ice cream, hot dogs, sandwiches, cold drinks, hot chocolate, tea and coffee. It is all very good and pretty reasonably priced.
Passaic has a rich history and so does the park where all the different nationalities can come together and share their culture. Passaic was originally settled by Dutch settlers. The population was made up of Italian, German, Polish, Irish and African American people. Over the past years Passaic has become a hub for many people of Hispanic descent, Mexican, Dominican, Puerto Rician and Central and South Americans. The cultures have changed over the years, but everyone is still welcome here. It is a diverse community and historically it always has been.
One Passaic native and a teacher, Mrs.Liaci said, “The Park has been my go to place since I was a little girl, The Park has always brought me happiness and The Boathouse is a great addition. People of all different cultures and backgrounds gather there to eat, grab a cup of coffee or do their school work or conduct business. It is one of my FAVORITE places to enjoy nature.”
The reason people of all ethnicities go to the park and the Boat House is because people can just enjoy themselves and their families, in the beauty of the park or by eating, or walking with their family around the park. It is a place that is so peaceful. People also get exercise by taking a brisk or leisurely walk around the park. Especially on religious holidays it is common to see Orthodox Jewish people, who are not allowed to drive a car on Saturdays. I heard that if a woman is having a baby then they can drive. But if it is a regular Saturday, not driving or working or anything. On Saturdays, throughout the you will see large Jewish families walking in the park together. But you will also see Mexican, Dominican, Indian and many other people of all ethnicities enjoying the beauty of the park together.
Passaic is a city that represents diversity, and culture. The city has a climate that encourages people of all races to come together and enjoy each other’s backgrounds, food and music. If you can, stop by the park and our Boathouse and sit back and enjoy the food and the view.
Mr. Sager, who has operated the Boathouse for eight years, is a great host and takes the time to speak with everyone, making sure the climate and food are enjoyable. I am sure you will like it. I’ll see you at the Boathouse.
