April 2021 – Spring Awakening
If you have your Picture This Photography NYC Calendar this is your April 2021 image “Spring Awakening”
Taken early one winter morning in Washington Square Park I was struck by the beautiful pink cherry blossom contrasting against the white stone of The Arch. The park is one of my favourite places to relax & unwind and photograph plus it looks amazing in all 4 seasons.
As NYC starts to awaken from winter and more importantly from the ongoing COVID pandemic signs of activity show people slowly emerging from their apartments, returning to the city, returning to their work places and to the streets. Restaurants are hosting outdoor dining on the pavement and outdoor dining canopies, of all shapes, sizes & design, shops are opening, people are meeting up and seeing the city in a whole new light.
The Arch sits on the north edge of the park at Lower Fifth Avenue on Washington Square North. This directional view is my favourite including the fountain and the block of red brick houses which were built in 1832 to house New York’s wealthiest families. Immortalized in Henry James’ “Washington Square” the houses appear to have weathered remarkably well however several were actually demolished in 1939 when they were combined & turned into an apartment building. Today sadly none remain as houses and most are owned and occupied by NYU. Often called “The Row” this block is considered one of the finest collection of Greek Revival houses in New York City where nearly all have maintained their original exterior iron fences and stone Greek Revival entryways & stoops. I love walking this block, it never gets old.
The Park, although not large, was designed to have many different areas ranging from the all-encompassing centre around the fountain where all paths lead, there is also the perimeter pathways with hidden nooks and the newest addition of the dog park & children's area (in addition to the playground) establish it as a family park with public bathrooms however the seedy north-west corner is a constant reminder of the gritty yesteryears while the southwest chess players provide an aura of nostalgia mixed with competitiveness for anyone willing to try their luck.
Spring awakening is not all easy, street crime is up, homelessness has increased, mental health services are needed on every block, trash is an everyday sight and desperate times call for desperate measures by desperate people. It is not particularly pleasant at all times outside of your own four walls and restrictions must be taken at all times. Personally, I thought nothing of walking around the city and empty streets before dawn to capture a sunrise but now it has an eerie vibe and a sense of danger putting people on heightened alert when coming into contact with others.
While spring awakens in NYC it is important to keep eyes wide open at all times.