Easter, is almost here again. This is the time of year everyone remembers rabbits, buying and giving them as Easter presents. Not only are most of these rabbits discarded once the novelty wears out but many suffer at the hands of kids unaware that these animals have very delicate spines. Children tend to drop them, leading to a broken spine or legs and sometimes ending in death. For those of us who don’t have time for pets, but still like to look and if you live near Bay Ridge or Dyker Heights take a walk along side Poly Prep Country Day School in Dyker Heights. It maintains a little pond with a surprising number of animals, scattered through out the property. There are rabbits, swans, ducks, geese, chickens, roosters and turtles.
The pond itself is private property, but many people come daily to feed the birds through the fence all year round. “It gives me a reason to get out,” says Victoria Cassini, a senior who lives nearby.
“My granddaughter loves to come with me and it’s something we like to share.” A major problem arises though; the regular feedings encourage the animals into too relaxed a state, often wandering out into 7th Ave. to be victims of traffic or picked off by raccoons.
“The school takes a lot of pride in it, and it’s something the community really seems to enjoy, but that causes it’s own share of problems,” said Carl Masstif a security guard at the school.
Another common problem, after Easter, when the novelty of the rabbits die off, people leave their pets at city parks, or places like Poly Prep.” It’s sorta notorious around here,” said Marie August, a receptionist at the school. “Over the course of a few weeks more and more spring up!” The school does not add additional security, but some around the campus express anger, “People make bad choices, but then choose not to deal with them,” said Ms. August.
While a walk down 7th Ave. can be enjoyable, often you will find some things are better left as they are found. Poly Prep moved to its location in 1916 from 99 Livingston Street where it had become one of the largest prep schools in the country. Notable alumni include Arthur Levitt Jr., the longest serving chairman of the S.E.C, and actress Bonnie Somerville.
The school today still adheres to the founding father’s pledge of excellence “in all those studies and attainments that can enlarge the understanding, develop the mental action, cultivate the mind, and beautify and adorn the intellect and the heart.” You can visit their website at polyprep.org
A school song below.
FAR DOWN ON THE HEIGHTS CALLED DYKER
Far down on the heights called Dyker,
Overlooking New York Bay,
Stands a school with a tall white tower,
Greeting ships that ply their way.
Her young, as they leave her portals
With visions of world-wide fame,
Carry with them the fight of Poly,
Where they learned to play the game.
Poly! Poly! Poly! Poly!
Poly! Poly! Poly! Poly! Poly!