Sydney Australia - First Stop on the International Billboard Scan

Ed. note:  Scenic America President Mary Tracy is traveling around the world as part of the International Outdoor Advertising Scan, a tour organized by a division of the Federal Highway Administration.  She will be updating us on her findings frequently.  Check back here at the blog often, or at our Twitter feed.

I arrived in Sydney on Wednesday morning after a 20 hour plane ride. Passing through the international date line, I realized that Monday disappeared forever. If one has to lose a day I decided that Monday is a good choice. I photographed my first sign in Sydney, located in the entrance way of the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Sydney is considered one of the most attractive cities on the earth, and I must agree.

More to come...

Petanque in Manhattan Beach

Kudos to the City of Manhattan Beach, CA for organizing weekly petanque meets, as part of their Older Adults Program.
Like today, from 1 to 3pm.
Free of charge, for anyone who wants to discover the game.

Location: Dorsey Field at Live Oak Park
Need to Bring: Nothing, all equipment will be provided.

What better way to get folks away from the couch and the TV and make new friends?

Fresno Petanque on a roll

Only 3 months old, but very alive and kicking.
And whenever they travel they come back with medals & prizes!

Have a look at their October newsletter (pdf)

Also, they are talking to their Parks Department about public courts and got kudos for the proposal they submitted. A good source of inspiration for other groups. Thanks to Tim & Co for sharing it!

Fresno Parks Dept Proposal (pdf - 6.6 Mb)

Fresno Petanque on a roll

Only 3 months old, but very alive and kicking.
And whenever they travel they come back with medals & prizes!

Have a look at their October newsletter (pdf)

Also, they are talking to their Parks Department about public courts and got kudos for the proposal they submitted. A good source of inspiration for other groups. Thanks to Tim & Co for sharing it!

Fresno Parks Dept Proposal (pdf - 6.6 Mb)

Petanque in public parks

It is amazing how - the same day - the same game can be hailed as a welcome addition in one city:

Petanque Brings International Excitement To Brooks Park
(that's Harwich, CT)

while facing (temporary?) opposition in another one ...
Let petanque be played at Oak Hill
(that's Petaluma, Ca)

All I can say is that, wherever I know there's a public petanque play area, it has turned into a quiet, friendly spot for folks to meet, compete, and enjoy each others' company - as in the above typical picture of Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris.

For petanque groups who are talking to Parks Departments and who'd like a simple presentation of the game, feel free to use this document - with many pictures - for starters:

Petanque in Public Parks.pdf (2.2Mb PDF file)

Petanque in public parks

It is amazing how - the same day - the same game can be hailed as a welcome addition in one city:

Petanque Brings International Excitement To Brooks Park
(that's Harwich, CT)

while facing (temporary?) opposition in another one ...
Let petanque be played at Oak Hill
(that's Petaluma, Ca)

All I can say is that, wherever I know there's a public petanque play area, it has turned into a quiet, friendly spot for folks to meet, compete, and enjoy each others' company - as in the above typical picture of Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris.

For petanque groups who are talking to Parks Departments and who'd like a simple presentation of the game, feel free to use this document - with many pictures - for starters:

Petanque in Public Parks.pdf (2.2Mb PDF file)