I’m a walker. Not one of those elbow-pumping cardio-cult gazelles, enviably chugging along residential sidewalks and park pathways in superhero tracksuits. I wish I had that level of athletic will. No, I’m a nervous, ruminative walker who likes to tell himself he’s striding in the deliberative spirit of Thoreau, in order to inspire and ponder ideas. High-minded ideas, like, you know, what to write for Editor’s Note.
Walking requires proper space; otherwise, you’re just pacing. And in an urban realm that’s been essentially conquered by car-scale infrastructure and big-box architecture, such space isn’t as plentiful as you’d think. This is a laborious way of saying that to talk about outdoor pursuits, whether it’s hiking, playing sports, or faux-philosophically walking, is to talk indirectly about the importance of public space.
Not exactly a marquee cause at the moment, I know. But it rhymes with so many basic, enduring values that are in danger of getting lost in the daily churn of competitive outrage that passes for dialogue these days: the common good, stewardship of land and community — and even the idea that merit and worth can apply to things that don’t fit into the profit puzzle of a world based on capital.
Ugh, that got heavy and pretentious. Best way to lighten up: Celebrate energy, excellence, and vigor on p. 61 with our Champions on the Rise; celebrate spring on p. 72 with a great a walk from our feature, “ Hikes After 5”; and celebrate public amenities on p. 81 with our collection of odes, “ Saturdays in the Park”! See you in space. F
Sitting in a park in my office chair to wryly reflect this issue’s theme,
Andrew Kiraly
editor
