Observatory Park at Dusk - Entry #1
I decided to base my site journal around Observatory Park, as it is about a 15 minute walk from my dorm and unfortunately I do not have a car. Regardless, it is a very pretty spot, and I decided to head over in the evening after finishing my homework, so it was less populated and very peaceful.
The first thing that you notice when entering the park undoubtably the Chamberlin Observatory, which is the largest structure in the park and stands out because of the stark contrast of the orange brick base and the green dome on top. This sort of reminds me of a redwood tree, as it shares a similar color scheme. I noticed that the park was pretty empty. Save for a few people playing tennis and a man walking his dog, I was the only person around. Because of this, it was pretty quite in the park, and I immediately fixated on the sound of the wind as it blew through the many different species of trees present. I think that the bareness of the field Infront of the observatory really helped the wind pick up. I also heard the occasional word from a nearby conversation drift by, and the subtle chirping of crickets among the grass.
I thought that this bench felt a bit out of place in the park, sitting of the path on a concrete base, and it reminded me of how Standing Bear wrote of the conquering nature of the white man. I think that it would look a lot better without the concrete baseplate.
Overall, I really like the spot that I chose for my site journal, and I look forward to see how Observatory Park changes as things like the temperature, season, and time of day influence the environment of the park. Also, next time I visit I want to bring my digital camera to take better pictures, and a sketchbook as well.
This cut stump with all of the plants growing around it also reminds me of conquering, but in a way the nature is conquering the action of man cutting the tree. you can also see how much of the grass is dead or dying from all of the people who rely on walking in the park.
