Let's Go Camping… In Marine Park!

If you’re the kind that likes to roll around in a grass field covered in goose droppings, then have we got the ultimate stay-cation for you!

The New York City Parks Department allows pitching a tent in a handful of parks around the city, including Marine Park, for free. For one day a year. And only if you win a lottery that is only open for 24 hours.

Okay, I seriously started this post with the intention of recommending a fun family event, but as I write it out, I’m left asking myself, “What the heck is this crap? These are the turd-worthy privileges the Parks Department grants us in the property that we pay for? And I’m not even going to be allowed to smoke a cigarette while enjoying my urban park adventure, now am I?”

Turd-worthy. That’s all I’ve got to say.

Anyway, the facts: Parks Department will allow 30 people to camp out in Marine Park on June 10. Other parks are available on other days. To reserve a spot, you must enter a lottery drawing between midnight and 11:59 p.m. on June 1 – and only on June 1 – and cross your fingers. Then they’ll call you and tell you whether you made it or not. If you don’t win, there will be a second chance to camp on July 1 (lottery on June 22). Lottery instructions are here.

Please, someone convince me that this is actually an awesome opportunity, and not as awful and insulting as it seems to be.