New York Daily Photo Analytics

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Sheep Meadow

In looking over my archives I was shocked to find that I have never done a posting on Sheep Meadow. Why shocked? Because, for me and many New Yorkers, this patch of grass is one if the most special and important places in New York City. Why did I wait so long? To get a photo that does justice to the feeling of this pastoral place. And as time passed, I just assumed that ti was a fait accompli.
As I have written before, parks are so important in New York City. These are the only outdoor spaces we have. In many cases they have become much more than just what one thinks of as a park. They have evolved into centers for a myriad of activities - tennis, running, walking, biking, chess, birdwatching, model boating, kite flying, frisbee, horseback riding, baseball, theaters, ice skating, roller skating, swimming, boating, music performances, street performing and of course, people watching. A world of recreation and entertainment.
And let's not forget relaxing. Perhaps a picnic. Or just reading. Many a weekend I have found myself in Sheep Meadow with a magazine, book or a copy of the Sunday New York Times - a veritable ritual in the city.
Sheep Meadow is located in Central Park, which is literally (and for me figuratively) at the geographic center of Manhattan - both east-west and north-south. Fold a map of Manhattan and you will see what I mean. The 30 acre meadow itself is located in the lower portion of the park. Until the 1930s, sheep did actually graze there. They were moved to Prospect Park by Robert Moses.
The meadow is convenient to various trains and buses making it an egalitarian place, accessible by all. The space gets heavy traffic, yet it has been consistently well maintained. Remarkable for this city ...

5 comments:

Wayne said...

It reminds me of Sunday in the Park with George. A loose knit connection, I know.

rchrd said...

Here's what it looked like in
1971

X!ne said...

As a fellow photographer and former NYC resident of 20 years, I love your blog so much! Now that I live in another country, it's nice to have this blog so I can reminisce about the places I miss there. It's funny for me that you chose this particular part of Sheep's Meadow. I have photos of my own here of an event (Bridal Rampage) which is participated in back in 2000. We took a break to just enjoy being in the part and sat in this very spot. Thanks for sharing your view of NYC.

Just Roaming The Cities said...

I think you've captured what you set out for. I don't think I've ever seen this many people enjoying a park at once except on a holiday here.

ehanson said...

I agree with wayne, I too thought of the painting Sunday in the Park. Good colors and nice composition.