Park Slope Merchants: Naïve or Nice?

Starting next Tuesday, Park Slope shoppers will be entitled to one of 400 free umbrellas made available at a number of neighborhood stores. Yes, you heard right. FREE. UMBRELLAS. And they’re just the most adorable shade of yellow! But what’s the catch, you say? Well, each one is emblazoned with this message: "Please enjoy this community umbrella and return it to a participating local merchant."

The Park Slope Civic Council pooled $2,000 and bought the umbrellas for customers caught by surprise during a sudden downpour. When the storm ends, and the Connors and Dylans of the neighborhood return outside to play, the consumer is expected to return the umbrella to any of the participating shops. The idea is that, at least on the sugarplum streets and shady gumdrop gardens of Park Slope, the noble side of human nature will triumph over dark, umbrella avarice.

The Daily News gets a good woman-on-the-street perspective from Jannea Bandura, 25, of Morningside Heights: “Where I live, people would not bring it back. They may sell it on the streets or keep it for themselves.” The handouts are expected to go fast, so entrepreneurs should get out there early; Park Slope is easily accessible by the F, N, R, Q, B, D, 2, 4, 5, and Q trains. Or just check Craigslist after the next storm. (The pictured umbrella is not one offered by Park Slope merchants but it's much easier on the eyes.)

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By John Del Signore in News on November 8, 2007 11:59 AM

Comments [rss]

FHShoeman

Does anyone ever write anything positive about Park Slope --The Umbrella lending is a real nice community thing and all I see is the commenting about the snooty aspect of the Slope. Must be jealousy !!!!!

brooklynbee

Sweet, now I know where to get a free umbrella next time it rains.

Mike D

This might be the best post ever.

Didn't hippy-dippy Portland do something like this with bicycles?

CR

Big whoop - let me know when they get around to manditory ass-wiping.

zodak

If we work as a country on this we can take the umbrella business out of business.

fight big umbrella!

Nick S

funny article, funny comments. this is how gothamist should always be, dammit!

Rocknrope

Yeah Alan, except yours was thieving it. Now I know where my umbrella at reddot went.

amc

They are totally taking my free umbrella advice I gave right here on gothamist- really, everyone should catch on:

http://gothamist.com/2006/07/21/alan_corey_real_1.php

zodak

The idea is that, at least on the sugarplum streets and shady gumdrop gardens of Park Slope, the noble side of human nature will triumph over dark, umbrella avarice.

omg that is the funniest damn thing i've read on this site.

barryap

Rocknrope, +1.

Wait, do we give out commment points here?

TK

so they got 400 $5 umbrellas? how long till most are broken and littering the sidewalks?

Rocknrope

So mags, you're saying their names were Rio, and they were dancing on the sand?

Mags

Actually, there are few Connors and Dylans... and I am a full time Park Slope stroller wielding Mom. The other day though, there were TWO boys named Rio sitting in the sandbox.

Yes, Rio.