ETHNOGRAPHY OF THE CITY
Parks & Gardens
Narunee Meesawan
"Self government is to be learned as an experience, rather than taught as a theory. Hence in a permanent democracy, adequate playgrounds for all the children are a necessity"
- Luther Halsey Gulick
President of Playground Association
- Luther Halsey Gulick
President of Playground Association
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of parks have changed and increased to fit the interests of different communities. When the idea of Central Park was first established, parks served as an open space for the wealthiest of New York City to experience nature and to escape from the concrete jungle. However, public space and parks in New York City today across the five boroughs have changed to fit the needs of small neighborhoods and the biggest city. Not only can parks be used as a free space to gather and socialize, but they also serve as a place to bring people of different backgrounds into one setting. Parks and playgrounds provides free outdoors services for all families and children.
This section of the website examines the impact of parks and gardens historically in New York City and especially in the Bronx. The purpose of this study is to determine if free space actually helps neighborhoods or damages it. Some methods of study for this research include public surveys and research through scholarly articles. There are different types of parks depending on the neighborhoods and what is needed in the area. For example, in a school area, there are more playgrounds for children, and in neighborhoods where there a more elderly population, the parks consist of tables and benches. However, when parks are not designed to meet the needs of the public, the space becomes an inconvenience to the community and a waste of space.
The purpose of parks have changed and increased to fit the interests of different communities. When the idea of Central Park was first established, parks served as an open space for the wealthiest of New York City to experience nature and to escape from the concrete jungle. However, public space and parks in New York City today across the five boroughs have changed to fit the needs of small neighborhoods and the biggest city. Not only can parks be used as a free space to gather and socialize, but they also serve as a place to bring people of different backgrounds into one setting. Parks and playgrounds provides free outdoors services for all families and children.
This section of the website examines the impact of parks and gardens historically in New York City and especially in the Bronx. The purpose of this study is to determine if free space actually helps neighborhoods or damages it. Some methods of study for this research include public surveys and research through scholarly articles. There are different types of parks depending on the neighborhoods and what is needed in the area. For example, in a school area, there are more playgrounds for children, and in neighborhoods where there a more elderly population, the parks consist of tables and benches. However, when parks are not designed to meet the needs of the public, the space becomes an inconvenience to the community and a waste of space.
NYC PARKS
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Video about Central Park in New York City Andrade, F. (Director). (2014, September 18). 36 Hours in Central Park, New York [Video file]. Retrieved December 10, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG3DMCoENdk |
CENTRAL PARK
In the 1850s, city politics and the cultural elites wanted a to build a public garden in New York City [1]. Andrew Jackson Downing was a influential writer and landscape architect who helped to start the Central Park project. The population of the city was increasing with immigrants and people moving into the city from rural areas. People envisioned that the park would act as an “urban lungs”, creating greater ventilation and movement of air. At the same time, cultural and technological rivalry with the cities of Europe further pushed Americans to compete with Europe's art and design. The elite had a plan for a grand park which would increase land values, creating a real estate speculation in urban design.
Although many New Yorkers had their own reason for the construction of the park, the real debate for Central Park planning was between the city’s politicians and the cultural elites. There was not much concern for the working class or the newly arrived immigrants. Those who were lobbying for the park were wealthy merchants and landowners who admired the public spaces of London, Paris, and European cities. The construction of Central Park displaced 1,600 residents including Irish farmers, German gardeners, and many other immigrants [3]. When the park was first opened in 1857, it was known to be a park for the elites [4]. The park was filled with rules and regulations, allowing little interactions between people. Central Park allowed no picnics and loud noised. Women showed off their wealth as they came to for a relaxing stroll on their horse carriage. There were no official playgrounds for children but mountains to climb on.
Central Park in the 19th century is different than the Central Park we see today. When Central Park was first planned, it was created for the elites in the city. With their strict rules and regulations, it was clear that not everyone in the city was welcome to enjoy the park. By giving less space of play for children, Central Park did not meet the needs of families. By setting rules that does not allow music and picnics, made it harder for people to interact and socialize. Many immigrants and the poor felt that Central Park was not approachable because of their social status. Central Park did not become popular until 1859 when the park opened an ice skating ring, welcoming everyone and creating a space that meets the needs of families of all status [5].
Today, Central Park is conveniently accessible to everyone. Central Park has been sectioned to allow people to have picnics, eat, play, and learn. It is filled with 21 playgrounds giving children different opportunities from jungle gyms to basketball courts, ranging from different ages. Families from different economic backgrounds are given equal access to these services, allowing people and children to socialize with others who are of different beliefs and status. However, although Central Park have shown improvements to giving people equal assess, there are still some areas that still favors the elite. The three restaurants in Central Park-Storico, The Loeb Boathouse, and Tavern on the Green gives their customers the best dinning no matter the time of day. However, when looking at the expansive menus, it is clear that these restaurant serves those who can pay for their fine dining. Although there are "dirty water" hot dog stands and food carts people can encounter in the park, the park does not offer restaurants in the parks that is reasonable towards all income. The dishes in these restaurants ranges from $20-30 a plate per person [6].
THE DARK SIDE OF PARKS
In New York City, there are about 63,000 homeless people recorded in the month of October 2017 [7]. Not every person wants to stay in shelters or could find a shelter to stay in, so they instead make their homes on the streets, subway stations, unsustainable space, and parks. In many communities, urban parks finds themselves fighting the issue of homelessness because of homeless individuals that make the parks their home. This problem has caused many debates on how safe the parks are people and especially for children. On one hand, parks are public spaces which provides service for all people. The homeless population uses the park mostly at night when there are few or no staff watching the park. The Department of Health along with the Department of Parks and Recreation have been dealing with this issue[9], working together to provide safety to both the homeless population and those in the community. The goal of public spaces is to bring equality to all people, but to what is the extent is the public space, public for everyone?
Not everyone who uses the parks goes home afterward. In parks like the Harlem River Park, the public strays away from it, not because it lacks access, but because of the population who uses it. These spaces become homes to the homeless, prostitutes, and drugs. Must people sees it as unsafe for children and dangerous. Not only is it filthy from homeless camps, but it is also filled with dirty condoms and used syringes. In 2010, the Transportation Department wanted to improve the access to Harlem River Park by making the walkway near its entrances pedestrian friendly [10]. However, brought more attention to enclosed park, attracted the wrong crowd. NYPD and the Parks Department are working together to find a solution to bring safety to the park and the neighborhood. They do a night sweep for any illegal activity and try to bring the homeless into shelters. However, the problems are still active in the park without giving the park further expansion and increasing more park activities [11].
In New York City, there are about 63,000 homeless people recorded in the month of October 2017 [7]. Not every person wants to stay in shelters or could find a shelter to stay in, so they instead make their homes on the streets, subway stations, unsustainable space, and parks. In many communities, urban parks finds themselves fighting the issue of homelessness because of homeless individuals that make the parks their home. This problem has caused many debates on how safe the parks are people and especially for children. On one hand, parks are public spaces which provides service for all people. The homeless population uses the park mostly at night when there are few or no staff watching the park. The Department of Health along with the Department of Parks and Recreation have been dealing with this issue[9], working together to provide safety to both the homeless population and those in the community. The goal of public spaces is to bring equality to all people, but to what is the extent is the public space, public for everyone?
Not everyone who uses the parks goes home afterward. In parks like the Harlem River Park, the public strays away from it, not because it lacks access, but because of the population who uses it. These spaces become homes to the homeless, prostitutes, and drugs. Must people sees it as unsafe for children and dangerous. Not only is it filthy from homeless camps, but it is also filled with dirty condoms and used syringes. In 2010, the Transportation Department wanted to improve the access to Harlem River Park by making the walkway near its entrances pedestrian friendly [10]. However, brought more attention to enclosed park, attracted the wrong crowd. NYPD and the Parks Department are working together to find a solution to bring safety to the park and the neighborhood. They do a night sweep for any illegal activity and try to bring the homeless into shelters. However, the problems are still active in the park without giving the park further expansion and increasing more park activities [11].
GARDENS
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Video of Community Garden
Celebrating NYRP's Community Gardens Across New York City's Five Boroughs [Video file]. (2011, January 25). Retrieved December 17, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsWbjVD0z7k |
COMMUNITY GARDENS
Much of New York City suffered from vacant and abandoned lots after the financial crises in the 1970s [13]. Many of the buildings were torn down and neglected by the city. However, in 1973, a non-profit called Green Guerillas wanted beautify the lots by planting flowers along its fences [14]. This became the beginning of community gardens we see today in all 5 boroughs. Community gardens serves many purposes. In a crowed city, people that live in apartments do not have their own access to gardens like those who own homes. With community gardens, people who might not know many of their neighbors, come together to grow food. People who are involved in these gardens pay a small fee to own part of the lot to grow their own vegetables and fruits. This can help create a healthier life style for the entire family and help save some cost of buying food at the supermarket.
Community gardens also bring a sense of "home" to many immigrants living in the city. They are able to still grow their own food even while living in the city. The interactions created when people in the neighborhoods comes together creates a sense of belonging and accountability that the city environment lacks. The community garden also provides a place of relaxation from the stress of work to the peace and calmness to the green sea. Without knowing, the community garden helps to restore communities by bringing different people together while beautifying the land around them.
Community gardens also bring a sense of "home" to many immigrants living in the city. They are able to still grow their own food even while living in the city. The interactions created when people in the neighborhoods comes together creates a sense of belonging and accountability that the city environment lacks. The community garden also provides a place of relaxation from the stress of work to the peace and calmness to the green sea. Without knowing, the community garden helps to restore communities by bringing different people together while beautifying the land around them.
WHEN PUBLIC SPACE FAILS
Art and urban design works together to give the public a break from the realities of the world. However, today, we can find that many public spaces and parks seems to be intentionally designed to be looked at but not touched [15]. When the public space fails on its design or intention, it leaves the space empty and undesirable to the public space. When going into a public space, people are looking for comfortable place to sit, gather among friends, eat, and participate in recreational activities. However, some public space fails to offer these basics, in return of modern design of art and architecture or to section away a specific population of people.
Art does not always have to make sense, but architecture does. In some cases, parks entrances are unwelcoming to the public's eyes. For example, before Bryant Park remodeled its entrance with lights, food booths, and wide stairs, Bryant Park was dark and uninviting to the public's eyes. The entrance was wide, with tiny hidden stairs that was not so clearly seen. After remodeling, the entrance had provided a clear access to go into the park which made the park very popular among New Yorkers and tourists. These pictures below shows how designs of public space can fails the public.
Art and urban design works together to give the public a break from the realities of the world. However, today, we can find that many public spaces and parks seems to be intentionally designed to be looked at but not touched [15]. When the public space fails on its design or intention, it leaves the space empty and undesirable to the public space. When going into a public space, people are looking for comfortable place to sit, gather among friends, eat, and participate in recreational activities. However, some public space fails to offer these basics, in return of modern design of art and architecture or to section away a specific population of people.
Art does not always have to make sense, but architecture does. In some cases, parks entrances are unwelcoming to the public's eyes. For example, before Bryant Park remodeled its entrance with lights, food booths, and wide stairs, Bryant Park was dark and uninviting to the public's eyes. The entrance was wide, with tiny hidden stairs that was not so clearly seen. After remodeling, the entrance had provided a clear access to go into the park which made the park very popular among New Yorkers and tourists. These pictures below shows how designs of public space can fails the public.
[17]
Art designs with no purpose
Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved from https://www.pps.org/reference/failedplacefeat/
Art designs with no purpose
Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved from https://www.pps.org/reference/failedplacefeat/
[18]
Park path that breaks the flow
Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved from https://www.pps.org/reference/failedplacefeat/
Park path that breaks the flow
Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved from https://www.pps.org/reference/failedplacefeat/
[19]
Public space with no seats
Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved from https://www.pps.org/reference/failedplacefeat/
Public space with no seats
Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved from https://www.pps.org/reference/failedplacefeat/
Sources:
1. Gandy, M. (2002). Concrete and Clay: Reworking Nature in New York City (Urban and industrial environments). MIT Press.
2. NYC: Original Central Park Plan On Exhibit. (2014, November 23). Retrieved from http://newyorkhistoryblog.org/2014/11/24/nyc-
original-central-park-plan-on-exhibit/. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
3. Gandy, M. (2002). Concrete and Clay
4. Gandy, M. (2002). Concrete and Clay
5. Gandy, M. (2002). Concrete and Clay
6. http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com/lakeside-menus.php?menu_id=3. Retrieved December 10, 2017
7. Ransom, J. (2014, October 27). Prostitution, drugs and homeless plague Harlem River Park. Retrieved December 10, 2017, from
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/prostitution-drugs-homeless-plague-harlem-river-park-
article-1.1988995.
8. Ransom, J. (2014, October 27). Prostitution, drugs and homeless plague Harlem River Park. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
9. Ransom, J. (2014, October 27). Prostitution, drugs and homeless plague Harlem River Park. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
10. Ransom, J. (2014, October 27). Prostitution, drugs and homeless plague Harlem River Park. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
11. Ransom, J. (2014, October 27). Prostitution, drugs and homeless plague Harlem River Park. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
12. Celebrating NYRP's Community Gardens Across New York City's Five Boroughs [Video file]. (2011, January 25). Retrieved December 17, 2017,
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsWbjVD0z7k
13.History of the Community Garden Movement. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2017, from
https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/community-gardens/movement. Retrieved December 10, 2017
14. History of the Community Garden Movement. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2017.
15. Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved from https://www.pps.org/reference/failedplacefeat/. Retrieved December
12, 2017.
16. Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved December 12 2017.
17. Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved December 12, 2017.
18. Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved December 12, 2017.
19. Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved December 12, 2017.
1. Gandy, M. (2002). Concrete and Clay: Reworking Nature in New York City (Urban and industrial environments). MIT Press.
2. NYC: Original Central Park Plan On Exhibit. (2014, November 23). Retrieved from http://newyorkhistoryblog.org/2014/11/24/nyc-
original-central-park-plan-on-exhibit/. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
3. Gandy, M. (2002). Concrete and Clay
4. Gandy, M. (2002). Concrete and Clay
5. Gandy, M. (2002). Concrete and Clay
6. http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com/lakeside-menus.php?menu_id=3. Retrieved December 10, 2017
7. Ransom, J. (2014, October 27). Prostitution, drugs and homeless plague Harlem River Park. Retrieved December 10, 2017, from
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/prostitution-drugs-homeless-plague-harlem-river-park-
article-1.1988995.
8. Ransom, J. (2014, October 27). Prostitution, drugs and homeless plague Harlem River Park. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
9. Ransom, J. (2014, October 27). Prostitution, drugs and homeless plague Harlem River Park. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
10. Ransom, J. (2014, October 27). Prostitution, drugs and homeless plague Harlem River Park. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
11. Ransom, J. (2014, October 27). Prostitution, drugs and homeless plague Harlem River Park. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
12. Celebrating NYRP's Community Gardens Across New York City's Five Boroughs [Video file]. (2011, January 25). Retrieved December 17, 2017,
from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsWbjVD0z7k
13.History of the Community Garden Movement. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2017, from
https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/community-gardens/movement. Retrieved December 10, 2017
14. History of the Community Garden Movement. (n.d.). Retrieved December 10, 2017.
15. Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved from https://www.pps.org/reference/failedplacefeat/. Retrieved December
12, 2017.
16. Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved December 12 2017.
17. Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved December 12, 2017.
18. Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved December 12, 2017.
19. Why Public Spaces Fail. (2009, December 30). Retrieved December 12, 2017.