I found this really cool and kind-of a hidden park under the bridge just walking distance from the Oji station. The park's name is Otonashi Shinsui Park.
This little park has a little stream flowing through it. It is a lazy river, where the water is shallow enough for babies and toddlers to play in it safely. There is no worry about sunburn because it is also surrounded by trees providing the shade and the privacy. I saw many families bring their children here to play here in the water. And that is really cool for me. Playing in the water on a hot day is the coolest thing ever.
This little park has a little stream flowing through it. It is a lazy river, where the water is shallow enough for babies and toddlers to play in it safely. There is no worry about sunburn because it is also surrounded by trees providing the shade and the privacy. I saw many families bring their children here to play here in the water. And that is really cool for me. Playing in the water on a hot day is the coolest thing ever.
This brings back some memories of my childhood. My dad used to bring me and my brother to the rivers when we were young. Whenever he has the time, he will take us to go and swim in the rivers in Teluk Bahang, an area that is on the quieter side of the island. Those were actual rivers with a bit of strong water current depending on how much rain we had. Going to the rivers was some of my best memories. We get to cool off in the clean and clear water, catch little shrimps and sometimes, if we are lucky, some little fishes too. And only on some rare occasion, a crab!
My dad will buy roti canai (a flat Indian bread) and my mom will pack a small bag of sugar for us to eat with the roti canai. After a good swim, we will eat the roti canai by the riverside. Usually, while we, kids were having fun, my dad will go and chat with some of the families who stayed near the river. Sometimes, the kids from these families will join us for a swim too. I am always happy whenever I get to go to the rivers. Those were really some good childhood memories for me.
My dad will buy roti canai (a flat Indian bread) and my mom will pack a small bag of sugar for us to eat with the roti canai. After a good swim, we will eat the roti canai by the riverside. Usually, while we, kids were having fun, my dad will go and chat with some of the families who stayed near the river. Sometimes, the kids from these families will join us for a swim too. I am always happy whenever I get to go to the rivers. Those were really some good childhood memories for me.
Unfortunately, a few years back, I found out (by accident!) that the rivers where I used to go as a child has been dammed up and flooded in to form a dam which is the current Teluk Bahang Dam. At that time, I was visiting Penang briefly and met up with an old friend. He took me to the dam, thinking that I will be impressed to see the new dam in Penang. But as we drive up the road, I noticed that the road was heading to the wrong side of the island into a new road that I have never been in before. And when we finally reached the dam, I was shocked to see the dam myself. My friend was pleased to see my reaction, thinking that my reaction was because I was awed. But it was not awe.
After the shock wore off, I began to feel a little sad for I realised that I can't revisit those rivers that held my childhood memories. The original road my dad used to drive on has been diverted. The families who lived near those rivers - I am sad that they lost their home. I am sad for myself because those rivers are all gone. I felt like a part of me has disappeared under the waters.
After the shock wore off, I began to feel a little sad for I realised that I can't revisit those rivers that held my childhood memories. The original road my dad used to drive on has been diverted. The families who lived near those rivers - I am sad that they lost their home. I am sad for myself because those rivers are all gone. I felt like a part of me has disappeared under the waters.
I did go to the dam another time on a different occasion, but that was the last time for me. Even the most recent trip back to Penang, I didn't visit the dam. I just can't make myself to see that place again.
So, when I found this little park with a small stream and seeing children playing in it, I remembered those little rivers from my memories. It made me feel happy. And seeing those innocent smiles, I feel like I can travel back to my own childhood and relived those happy memories.
I am glad for these children that they had this special park. To an adult, it is just a simple park with a small stream, but to the child, it is probably the best park in his/her life. My memories live on in the smiles and laughter of these children.
The park is very near to the JR Oji station (王子駅). It is only 5mins walk from the station. You can see the way to get to the park from the map below.
The address of the park is:
Otonashi Shinsui Park (音無親水公園)
Oji Honcho 1-Chome-2, Kita-ward, Tokyo, Japan 114-0022
〒114-0022 東京都北区王子本町１丁目２
Do you have a special park too from your childhood?
