请统计以下段落中，单词“the”出现的次数。
段落：
In the heart of the city, there was a small park that was a favorite spot for the locals. The park had a pond and some benches where people could sit and watch the ducks. The ducks were used to people, and would often come right up to them looking for food. The park was very peaceful, except for the sounds of the city around it.
单词“the”在该段落中出现了7次。