This weekend, as the weather has warmed up, leaving me very pleasantly surprised, I have turned to a different kind of collecting. This weekend, my bottle and rust collections were cast aside, museums were not considered, as I turned all my attention to the outdoors.
I have become preoccupied with collecting parks. I cannot possess them, but I can certainly spend all my time in them. With the onset of 70 degree weather, I headed to my original favorite, my default: Washington Square Park. Each city park has its individual charm and charisma. Washington Square Park was the park I fell in love with first. I was living on 13th street last year, and would often walk to Washington Sq while it was being renovated. Even though the fountain was closed off, I was able to enjoy the benches and boccie court. This fall, the fountain was opened, and I was able to enjoy the park to its fullest. For me, Washington Square Park is a wonderful place to listen to music, while not being completely removed from the city. I love the architecture surrounding the park, and I tend to film the musical acts I see there, keeping a digital collection of ragtime to doo-wop. Washington Square Park has a dark history, it has been the burial grounds of yellow fever victims, as well as hanged criminals. But to me, the park is located in a wonderful neighborhood and brings together a nice eclectic mix of people. I don't even mind the looming NYU territory I am encroaching on. I love watching the college students mix with the old timers in the park, some enjoying jazz, while others enjoy acoustic guitar.
Already having visited Washington Sq, I headed to Madison Square Park, which boasts Shake Shack and is located in the chic and fun Flatiron district. This year, because I am living in Chelsea, I take my friends up to 5th and 23rd, and show them the clearing in between the buildings. When I showed my boyfriend the spot, he thought I was lying until he saw the top of the first tree. The squirrels in Madison Square Park are the highlight of these adventures. We have decided that because of the nature of their foody surroundings, the squirrels are extra friendly. All you have to do is give a quick click-click with your tongue, and the squirrels will climb in your purse and shoes. Being satisfied with my hot dog and squirrel conversation, I moved on down the street to the highline.
The highline is my newest discovery, having just opened it's the most fun to explore. The highline, an elevated train track turned park builds a community above ground level. The area is interesting and fun, as it runs through buildings, gives a beautiful view of the water, and the statue of liberty. The highline is a beautiful mix of architecture and park-like benches and greenery. There is a certain lack of vegetation, as everything is still being cultivated, but the area is a great spot to bring friends who are visiting. The highline is only a few blocks from the Chelsea Market, which is also a wonderful place to enjoy the atmosphere of Chelsea and its historic architecture and charm.
This weekend is only the start of the warm weather, and as I place my material collections on the back burner, there is no limit to my exploration. These are only a few of the city parks I appreciate, but I am sure I will find more.