Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Counterbalance Park: An Urban Oasis


Photo & Text Copyright 2009 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.

This pocket park on the site of a former gas station in the Uptown neighborhood is six months old. During the day it doesn't seem like much more than an extremely tidy vacant lot surrounded by an artful wooden walkway on two sides, a few saplings planted here and there, and several benches lining two tall concrete walls. The center of the park is covered with gravel rather than grass or plants. There is a concrete slab at an angle in the back corner to serve as a stage area, and the architect's drawing shows intentions for tables and chairs to be introduced under the trees at some point. At night, though, the tiny park becomes a jewel alive with bright moving vertical bands of color illuminating the two tall walls at the back. What the park needs if it is to live up to its hoped for "urban oasis" status, though, is water: a low pool, a rocky fountain. . .even cobblestones that would reflect when they are wet with rain. . . something natural and fluid.

15 comments:

Olivier said...

magnifique ce patchwork de couleurs, avec en cadeau les ombres

Wayne said...

It's an eye-popping image Kim.

Chow Down Seattle said...

Beautiful shot!

postie said...

Great photo ........its truly awesome. Where exactly is it Id like to see it on my next visit to Seattle

Petrea Burchard said...

This is one of those that makes you gasp when it comes up on the browser. Thanks for giving us the bare tree and the man's shadow in the picture, Kim. They make this a great shot.

Virginia said...

Perfectly composed as always. We would be thankful for this oasis here with or without the pizazz. Wow.
V

Copenhagen said...

Beautiful colours:)

Tania said...

I know exactly where that spot is. So there's a park there now! That's gorgeous! I can see this as a favorite spot for local photographers!

Maya said...

This shot is fantastic! I'll have to check out this park sometime...

Pat said...

That is just a beautiful shot of this park, and you've said it all---a jewel alive with color.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Fabulous especially with the shadow walker silhouette against the vivid colours

abc said...

That's great light art. I like the sharp contrast of the bench. And the passer by makes it come alive.

Linnea said...

Wow! A nocturnal rainbow in Seattle...really creative shot.

Anonymous said...

what a fantastic place - a must see on my next visit.
amazing how you bring us such rich colors.

Michael Salone said...

Wow Kim. Every time I come back here I wonder how you do it...capturing such brilliant shots. The colours are one thing, but the person walking by gives it movement.

Are you sure you don't want to do a Zazzle store?