robert moon

Maypole in Tompkins Square Park

Kristin O’Friel couldn’t wait till May to put up a maypole. Armed with close friends, we made our way to the northeast corner of Tompkins Square Park. Everyone gathered around the middle basketball net as Rory Nugent was just tall enough to attach the several strands of long flowing ribbons of various colors. Each person was given a ribbon and directions to rotate as they weave the pattern onto the pole. I also had the opportunity to weave the first maypole.

Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves working together to weaving this beautiful pattern in the park. We all moved to Astor Place to weave a second maypole in the middle Astor Island but traffic was a problem so we moved towards the south side in front of Chase bank. Although the location was not ideal, the safety of the maypolers was top priority. Even in the sprinkling snow, everyone seemed to be in good spirits as Kristin setup the maypole this time. We had a lot of people stop and ask what we were up to. Hopefully this maypole would spark curiosity for tomorrow’s daily commuters.

Over a cup of coffee a few days before our May Day celebration, Kristin brought up her interest in making art that would be created by the people who live in the neighborhood. These various objects, such as the maypole’s primary focus is to spark people’s interest in “beautifying” our urban landscape and not to mention have fun with friends/family. I definitely had an awesome time being part of creating something beautiful in the city. I will have to keep an eye out for both maypoles on my walk to and from ITP.