Jefferson Playground

I used to love to jog at the Jefferson playground track in the afternoon, but I had a bad experience that will not bring me back.
I generally park along River Road, and one day I forgot to wear shorts with pockets. So I did not lock the door to my truck because I had nowhere to put my keys. I guess it was partially my fault… I could have brought my keys out with me… But I did not. I guess I am too trustworthy, or just oblivious, I don’t know.
Anyway, there is a group of Hispanics there that like to play soccer after work in the evenings on the football field. I never did find the culprit, but I highly suspect it was one of these guys who stole my brand new iPhone and wallet out of my car (both were hidden), for they were the only people there as I jogged. And for other reasons that I will not bore you with.
The parking lot is mere feet away from the jogging track, all which is in plain sight, so we are talking about a brave soul who took my things as I turned my back to jog a certain stretch of the track. 15 – 20 seconds was all he had, and he pulled it off.
If you are like me and enjoy jogging at Jefferson, or even on the levee across the street, I urge you to lock your car. Don’t just think that your things are safe. I have little faith in humanity after incidences like this. Be careful if you leave your personal items unattended, especially if these guys are out playing soccer. There is a thief in their group.

This is my childhood playground. And the correct name is Jefferson Playground: Home of the Mustangs. And the colors are black & gold.
I rollerskated (and attempted skateboarding) here. My Dad boxed upstairs in the gym in the 50s and there used to be plays on the stage. Depending on the season, you’ll see all the kid sports: football, baseball, softball, track, soccer, tennis. Plus as an old school playground it has wide open space to just run (my favorite).
The playground equipment is all new and was donated by a medical conference a couple of years ago as post-​K largesse. The only issue with the space is that the condo owners across the street walk their dogs in the greenspace and some forget to scoop the poop. Not cool when you have kids running around.
The skating rink is now a parking lot; the boxing space is offices; they’ve made the place a lot safer than when I was kid… how did we climb up in the rafters of the stage. But a great space to play