Lifelong Williamsburg resident Tonya Gonzalez recalled using cans as a kid to help spray water as her friends ran past the hydrant.
Now the postal worker was lending a hand while the next generation made best of a summer unlike any other.
“We still have to try and have fun,” Gonzalez said.
Here are some photos showing some creative ways New Yorkers are enjoying the summer amid a pandemic:
Hiram Alejandro Durán/THE CITY
A group of novice skateboarders attempted to land their first trick at Washington Square Park.
Peter Senzamici/THE CITY
Despite a lack of spectators at this year’s July 4 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest due to COVID-19 restrictions, casual frankfurter fans waited for their own turn on the Coney Island Boardwalk.
Hiram Alejandro Durán/THE CITY
A visitor on the High Line followed the socially distanced green dots.
Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
Some took advantage of safe lounging during an early evening in Bryant Park.
Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
A blues band entertained people along a car-free stretch on Berry Street in Williamsburg as part of the city’s Open Streets program.
Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
Justin Juarbe, left, and Janice Weaver enjoyed drinks and food outside a Long Island City restaurant.
Hiram Alejandro Durán/THE CITY
A man tried to entice pigeons to land on him in Central Park.
Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
A future Yankee headed to practice in The Bronx.
Hiram Alejandro Durán/THE CITY
Antonia Howard exercised with her 10- and 7-year-old daughters at St. John’s Park in Crown Heights.
Hiram Alejandro Durán/THE CITY
A woman dances along to the band Alegba and Friends in Prospect Park. The group started performing in the park as a way to get out of the house. Plaudits keep them coming back.
Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY
Patrons sipped some outdoor drinks at The Gutter in Williamsburg as the sun set behind the Manhattan skyline.