Taking a walk and a drive through Lincoln Drive Park today, I’m reminded how the park ties together the past, present, and future of Grand Forks along the Red River of the North.

There are remnants of old streets and sidewalks from the preflood days, and every so often, one happens upon trees that suddenly line up straight, as if they carry the memories of the streets that used to pass below them. Pausing, in my mind’s eyes and ears, I imagine the houses, people out tending their lawns and kids playing in the school yard. A breeze rustles the leaves showing the first blush of fall, and I’m brought back to now as I notice a young family having their pictures taken and disc golfers enjoying one of the last perfect days of summer.

I look down where Euclid Avenue once passed, a couple of old driveway entrances still waiting for their old tenants. I’m feeling the spirit of the place that will also be here when I cross country ski when winter comes. In my car, I head out through the threshold of the park which now protects us from devastating floods as part of a flood wall/dike system and drive along the 100 year old golf course to my home, not so far away in space and time.