Maybe we have to reconsider the definition of the word "park" when we talk about this, this thing that finally got finished in Bloomfield. When we went down to take a picture there today, we were shocked to discover there's no grass whatsoever. Only paving stone, a fountain, some black chains, a brick circle. The perfect place, of course, to sit and contemplate the AAMCO dealership across the street. Or perhaps wait for the bus.
From Merriam-Webster online:
Main Entry: 1park
Pronunciation: 'pärk
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French parc enclosure, from Medieval Latin parricus
1 a : an enclosed piece of ground stocked with game and held by royal prescription or grant b : a tract of land that often includes lawns, woodland, and pasture attached to a country house and is used as a game preserve and for recreation
2 a : a piece of ground in or near a city or town kept for ornament and recreation b : an area maintained in its natural state as a public property
3 a West : a level valley between mountain ranges b : an open space and especially a grassland that is often all or partly surrounded by woodland and is suitable for cultivation or grazing
4 a : a space occupied by military animals, vehicles, or materials b : PARKING LOT
5 : an enclosed arena or stadium used especially for ball games
6 : an area designed for a specified industrial, commercial, or residential use <amusement park> <industrial park> <mobile home park>
A plaza, maybe. A triangle, certainly. But a park? Even by definition 2 a it's a stretch.
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Comments (10)
Just because there's not a cutesy place close by to buy a $7 cup of coffee or contemplate the over-the-top value of your house in Montclair doesn't make it not a park.
Actually from this vantage, Bloomfield looks pretty nice if you ask me.
Yup, it's a park. Got a fountain, it's a park. And I predict it will remain goose-free.
Well... I don't mean to rain on anyone's parade, but given the pricetag of this, park, triangle, thing... we didn't get much bang for our buck. And with the fountain, I'm worried it's going to turn into an outdoor toilet for some of our less couth residents.
Yeah, that's a plaza, not a park.
Many parks have fountains, but a fountain really does not a park make. That circle near the Montclair BOE has a fountain but it isn't a park either.
But who cares? The question really is why did it take so long and cost so much to build. If this is any indication of what's to come with the grand redevelopment scheme in Bloomfield we're in big trouble.
Definition 2a applies. It turned out pretty nice, considering the contractor problems.
Uh, how much of the development money was spent on that plaza thingy? If more than, like, $30K, they shoulda let some kid do it as his Eagle Scout project.
How about a pool? I say.....$189K
The problem with grass is the need for maintenance. Venner Park, with its fountain and planters, is typical of what many cities are doing in lieu of green open space. Union Square in San Francisco was overhauled in a very similar way. Not saying I really agree with it but it is low-maintenance, and given Bloomfield's history of lack of maintenance, that's probably a good thing.
It will require maintenance after the vandals strike, and given this area's penchant for grafitti, it'll take no time at all. It amazes me how quickly and elaboratly detailed these creations are executed in places that seem open to surveillance.
Looks like it would make a great skate park. Send the skate rats here, and we can stop the movement to pave over any other green space in the area.