Lincoln Park is a vibrant neighborhood with many fun things to experience. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s seeing animals at the zoo, or taking a nice leisurely walk in Oz Park. These activities, surprisingly, don’t quite seem to catch the eyes of Parker Upper School students. What do Parker students enjoy doing then? Starbucks cups, Target bags, and food to-go bags are just some of the many things that Parker students are often spotted with. They’re getting these from Lincoln Park businesses. One of the many reasons why Parker students visit Lincoln Park stores so much is because of Parker athletics. This might come as a surprise to many people because what would athletics have to do with students going to stores? Well, students who are athletes need to obtain energy from food in order to have a successful practice and therefore perform better at a game or practice. The quickest and most local way to get food is by going to a Lincoln Park restaurant or store near the school. Tyson Madkins said, “I feel like I tend to visit Lincoln Park businesses more because of sports because I need something to eat before practices.” Madkins plays basketball for Parker and likes to go to Angry Octopus, Target, YoBerri, Starbucks, and McDonalds. 

Parker athletes also utilize Lincoln Park business in order to grow closer with their teammates. Parker athletes go  to Lincoln Park stores more with teammates than other students. Sophomore Sloane Trukenbrod said, “They have the same schedule as I do.” Trukenbrod plays soccer for Parker and likes going to Dairy Queen and Target. As a Parker athlete myself, I believe getting the opportunity to spend time with my teammates outside of practices and games helped us grow closer and more connected as teammates. Going to shops in Lincoln Park was how we spent a lot of time together off the court, and therefore, helped us trust each other on the court.

Another reason why Parker students love Lincoln Park businesses is because they make students happier by giving them a way to do the things they love. Senior Lola Yee said, “I like going to Lincoln Park businesses because I love having an excuse to go outside and walk around. So having everything accessible in the neighborhood is really nice. I definitely feel more happy and at peace when I get to do the things I love.”  After a long school day, being able to step outside and walk to a favorite business is a real privilege, especially because of their  close proximity to school. What would the students do without all these special places just a walking distance away?

Something many people have noticed is that Parker Upper School students tend to drift more towards big chain businesses (ex: Starbucks) over smaller businesses. Junior Dal Harrel said, “I usually go to bigger businesses, a lot of small businesses I love to support, but a lot of times they’re pricier.” Sophomore Jordan Drisdell said, “I go to more chain businesses mainly because I know more of what they have to offer.” Some students disagree with this though. Truckenbrod said, “I like going to Lincoln Park businesses, especially small businesses, instead of chains because they give you more experiences which you can cherish with your friends, which makes me really happy.”

Lincoln Park businesses offer students a unique opportunity to really connect with one another outside of the classroom. From walking to Starbucks or riding on an electric scooter to McDonald’s there is nothing stopping the Upper School students from going to all the places in Lincoln Park they know and love. With all the students’ favorite restaurants in a close proximity to school, Lincoln Park is the perfect place for students to utilize. From delicious food to new sweatshirts, there’s nothing that Lincoln Park doesn’t have to offer Parker students.

If you need a new Lincoln Park business to try with your friendsYee recommends Green Tea Sushi. Truckenbrod recommends, “Crumble Cookies because they are scrumptious and close to school.” Harrel recommends, “Big Apple, because it’s really fresh. I like really fresh stuff, and you can get fruits and whatever you need, they have so much stuff.” Jordan recommends Yoberri. Lastly Madkins recommends, “Angry Octopus: it is the best pizza, burgers, fries, and just the best food place in general that’s like a few minutes away from the school.”