Public Space

These readings were interesting. I think my favorite one was the one about Woodruff Park. I found this very true. This definitely is something I have never given much attention to, but is a huge deal. When it comes down to public space it is a matter of, "If it's not a home for some, it's likely that it is a home for none". The old park that this reading speaks of, Central City Park, has a very familiar story. It seems so often that, no matter the location, small town or big city, just when everyone is happy and comfortable with a place it is altered to something not so inviting. Just as Central City Park was jipped of the space and friendly enviornment it offered, I have also witnessed hang out spots being forbidden. Coming from a little town and having nothing to do my friends and I, along with the rest of the bored teenagers living in Livingston, always found some little place that felt wecoming and chill to hang out at. And of course just as soon as it would become known for the regular place to look for someone to hang out with, the county police would find all the silliest reasons possible to take it away. It is kind of sad to think that not only does it happen in small places and situations that do not matter a whole lot, but it also happens in big, well known parks and cities.
I also really liked reading the end of Woodruff Park and The Search For Common Ground. It talks about what could be done to make Woodruff Park a welcoming place for all. It says, "Woodruff Park could yet become a welcoming space for the women and men and boys and girls of the city. Can't you see the rich and poor, the Black and white, the homeless and well-housed, dancing and laughing and clappin their hands to the music of Bline Willie McTell, while the smell of smoked ribs wafts on the breeze, and children swing high enough to touch the sky, as the old forks play a hand of dominoes? Who knows? Such a party could inspire us to build a city with housing, justice, and care for all of its people". I love that, it is absolutley a beautiful vision and would be an even greater acomplishment for Atlanta. If everything with viewed with something so encouraging in site how much better things would be.