Folly
I must admit, when I first heard about it, during the dead of our terrible winter, I thought it might be a pretty neat idea. Create a 'pop-up park' in the middle of the city during the height of the tourist season. So from July 3-October 12 a small block of Federal Street, just outside of the newly opened Press Hotel, has been turned into the Federal Folly, complete with white benches, red circular rugs, wooden stanchions and special night lightening. Throughout the summer and early fall, the site is hosting special events like theater productions, blue grass concerts and other unique activities planned to increase more pedestrian-friendly spaces. Maybe at an evening event with lighting and all I'd be a bit more impressed, but at mid-day the creative park was pretty empty and bland.
A pop-up park?
I'm so much more impressed with pop-up books.
And as for the The Federal Folly?
I'd just have to go with 'the FOLLY'.
It is neat to see cities doing creative things with open space. It's good to make space welcoming and comfortable for pedestrians.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice looking. Usefulness is always the question when the government is involved. We have a VERY modern artistic rendition of the Wright B Flyer right in the middle of Main St. Here in Dayton, OH. All stainless and I think it's suppose to represent the length of the first flight. You may be able to Google it.
ReplyDeleteHere ya go. http://www.civicartsproject.com/2012/06/18/flyover-downtown-dayton-ohio/
ReplyDeleteas a country person, that doesn't interest me in the least any more. i think if i was a city dweller, i'd be tempted to take in a concert or two.
ReplyDeleteCool in IDEA but I'm not sure I'd really count it as much of a park based on the appearance. Personally, I grew up in forests so benches and rugs don't much make a "park" to me.
ReplyDeleteIt does look attractive. Now it just needs to be filled with people and art.
ReplyDeleteIt may take a while to catch on with people!
ReplyDeleteSilly ideas for silly times...
ReplyDeleteAlright, the truth. It was terrible. Hot, dry and ugly. Needed grass, trees and plants and soothing stuff. This felt like throwing some old rugs onto your garage floor and making some benches from old wood. Horrible.
ReplyDeleteIt looks creative, and that's that.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had a few follies in V. Even terrible ones.
ReplyDeleteI'd tend to think of it more like a square. There's a spot here outside of an office tower that has this sort of function, though it is permanent.
ReplyDeleteWell, at least ONE person seems to be enjoying the amenities. :-)
ReplyDeleteI like the idea but they could have done so much more with it. Public art, for one thing. Kinetic sculpture. Doors like EG Camera Girl has been featuring. Buskers as in Ottawa. Heck, even an outdoor espresso stand.
ReplyDeleteWell, at least the city is trying to make the inner core more inviting. Kudos for putting in some effort.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. It seems that it's for an elite few as it's sort of out of the way except for the hotel guests there...and it took away precious parking spaces...and, I would not be enticed to hang out there...our weatherman up here keeps talking about "pop up showers." For some reason, I don't take to that. Leave it to the books where it belongs!
ReplyDeleteHey, give 'em some credit for trying to liven things up. Get some buddies and go down there some night and show your Portland spirit.
ReplyDelete