I have a very strong identification with a music community in my hometown, so when I see institutions or areas also promoting a sense of community and interaction, I get a warm feeling, a definite sense of home. Judson Memorial Church and Washington Square Park are definitely such places. When Rebecca Ferguson, of the Parks Department, came in to our class to talk about the destruction/renovation of the park, she put a very cold and logical spin on an issue that needs to be explained in realms beyond logic. Sure the park may look nice when it's done, but it also won't be the same park. Ms. Ferguson may have the best interests of the park in mind, but I would argue that she's not really considering the attendees of park.
Representatives of the Judson Memorial Church, on Washington Square South, echoed this sentiment. They explained that their fears that the park was being turned into a less hospitable, sterilized, and "architecturally segregated" area. Everybody at the church has a vested interest in the future of the park, and it's disheartening to see that they were labeled "cultural oppositionists" and feel so beaten back by "phase one" of the project.
I took some pictures when we went into the actual church space.
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