My Big Hassle Getting to Colonial Park North
So, I decided to check out Colonial Park North, heard the walking trails were decent. Looked up the address online first thing. Mistake number one, I guess, because apparently everyone calls it Colonial Park North but the actual address isn’t super obvious. Took me a good five minutes of squinting at different websites just to be kinda sure where it was. Felt like I wasted time already.
Jumped in my car figuring I’d drive there. Plugged what I thought was the right spot into the car GPS. Seemed straightforward enough. Off I went. Halfway there, the GPS lady suddenly gets confused. Starts telling me “recalculating” in that annoying calm voice. Turns out the main street I needed was blocked off for some utility work – zero warning signs earlier! Ended up taking this weird detour through neighborhoods I didn’t know. Saw a lot of people’s backyards I didn’t need to see. More wasted time.
Finally got near the park area. Panic mode kicked in. “Where the heck do I park?” Drove down one street bordering the park – Resident Permit Parking Only, big signs everywhere. Nope. Tried the next street. Same thing. Felt like I was circling the park like a vulture looking for roadkill. Saw a tiny lot tucked away off Maple Ave. Drove in – maybe six spots total? All full, obviously. By this point, I was properly annoyed.
Gave up on parking. Thought, “Right, bus it is then.” Pulled over (illegally, probably) and grabbed my phone again. Searched bus routes near Colonial Park North. Found the route that stops closest – Route 14. Checked the schedule on the transit app. Next bus wasn’t for 25 minutes. Ugh. Felt stuck. Either circle endlessly hoping a spot opens magically, or wait. Chose to wait, parked a few blocks away on a street that seemed okay for visitors. Walked back to the bus stop near Maple and Oak.
Waited at the stop. Bus actually showed up pretty close to on time! Paid the fare, hopped on. Told the driver “Colonial Park North, please.” He kinda just nodded. Rode for maybe 10 minutes, keeping an eye out the window. Saw the park entrance go by! Pulled the cord, got off right after. Easy part! Bus dumped me practically at the main entrance sidewalk. Way less stressful than driving around like a maniac.
Here’s what I actually learned, the hard way:
- Assume driving will be messy. Road closures happen, signs are unclear.
- Parking near the park? Almost non-existent unless you get mega lucky or arrive super early.
- The bus (Route 14) is genuinely less hassle if you can time it okay. Stops super close to the entrance.
- If you must drive, give yourself a LOT of extra time just to park. Scout streets further away from the park entrance – fewer permits.
- Seriously, just check the bus schedule first. Save yourself the headache.
All this effort just to go for a walk. Next time? Bus wins. Hands down.
