How to Sign "Park"
An area of land set aside for recreational purposes.
Examples Using "Park" in a Sentence
1
We are going to the park today.
Sign 'today', 'we', 'go', and then 'park' by showing the grass near your face and outlining the area.
2
The dog ran around the park.
Sign 'dog', 'run', and then 'park', making sure to clearly show both the grass and area parts of the sign.
3
I like reading at the park.
Sign 'I', 'like', 'read', and finish with 'park' to establish the location of the activity.
How to Sign "Park"
An area of land set aside for recreational purposes.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a compound that visually describes the concept. The first part represents looking through grass or trees, symbolizing nature. The second part is the sign for 'area' or 'space'. Together, they literally mean 'a nature area', which perfectly describes a park.
Signing Tips
Make sure the transition between the two parts of the sign is smooth. The first part (looking through grass) should flow naturally into the second part (the area). Keep your fingers spread comfortably throughout the entire sign.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is forgetting the second part of the sign. Without the circular 'area' motion, the sign might just look like 'grass' or 'nature'. Another mistake is making the circular motion too large; keep it a moderate size right in front of your body.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Park" in a Sentence
1We are going to the park today.
Sign 'today', 'we', 'go', and then 'park' by showing the grass near your face and outlining the area.
2The dog ran around the park.
Sign 'dog', 'run', and then 'park', making sure to clearly show both the grass and area parts of the sign.
3I like reading at the park.
Sign 'I', 'like', 'read', and finish with 'park' to establish the location of the activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just fingerspell P-A-R-K?
Yes, fingerspelling P-A-R-K is very common, especially if you are referring to a specific park by name. However, the conceptual sign is great for describing a general recreational area.
Does this sign mean 'parking a car' too?
No, this sign is strictly for a recreational park (a nature area). To sign 'park a car', you use a '3' handshape to represent a vehicle and place it on your non-dominant flat hand.
Do I need to use two hands for the 'area' part?
In this variation, you only need to use your dominant hand to make the horizontal circle for 'area', keeping the sign fluid and one-handed.
ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!