Of all the strategies to make Cal Anderson “safe,” we like this one best. Here is an ode to the park from artist Connor Desai — Love Song for Cal Anderson:
The hollow sound the turning round of the game
The light is high the light is right in my way
I am walking past a window in the dark
We are sharing secret races on my markI dig the big brass band that’s playing here for free
And the tuba so low and sweet
You know that it’s so sublime
To walk through parks at night (parks at night)Your collar’s flipped a hollar’s clipped in the air
The dark abounds outside the sounds of our lair
I am walking past a window in the dark
We are sharing secret races on my markI dig the dogs out here just chasing after tail
Owners get along so well
You know that it’s so sublime
To walk through parks at night (parks at night)I dig the big brass band that’s playing here for free
And the tuba so low and sweet
You know that it’s so sublime
To walk through parks at night (parks at night)
Pairs nicely with these recent images of the park from the CHS Flickr pool.
The pics are wonderful. In reality, though, one of the ironic things about the park is that it’s just not a very gay place (except for special events, and in spite of its namesake).
Beats me how that came about — maybe it’s because a visible majority of Pike/Pine hipster-denizens appeared to stake out the place as their turf, early on. I live just a couple blocks away, and I want to love the park, but in fact I tend to skirt the perimeter when I walk in that direction. It just doesn’t feel very gay-safe to me, much of the time.
Thanks to Connor Desai for the song, very upbeat.
The park has changed greatly in the 40 years I’ve experienced it.
I only have reason to walk through it during daylight hours (except when it gets dark at 5 during Winter). I avoid certain areas,to be sure, but since its reincarnation, it is good to see everyone enjoying their particular interests.
Just wish it had more shaded benches.