Here are photos of the design award-winning chess park in Glendale, California. Will city politics result in the slow death of a beautiful chess park?
FROM THE MARGINS:A few moves at Chess Park
By PATRICK AZADIAN
Published: Last Updated Monday, June 29, 2009 10:10 PM PDT
It took a stroke of genius for park-starved Glendale to turn an unused alley linking a city parking lot into a pocket park. The 4,500-square-foot Chess Park is a space devoted to its namesake, with five illuminated oversized chess pieces standing guard over the 16 concrete tables.
Glendale residents may not think much of the park, but as is sometimes the case, people don’t always appreciate the jewels they have in our own backyards.
The park came to my attention through a modern and well-respected architectural magazine. I had to read the review to the end to realize the photos and more-than-complimentary commentary was about our own Chess Park. I had to do a double-take of the stylish photos. “Wow!” was my immediate reaction.
The park received the 2006 General Award of Design Honor from the American Society of Landscape Architects. A juror described the park as “Fun, fabulous and quirky. Exactly what an urban pocket park should be: playful.”
The Glendale Chess Club was instrumental in making the park a reality. They had approached the city as a group to request a designated space where its club and others could play. The city found a solution by utilizing the undeveloped Brand Boulevard passageway. In a unique and progressive partnership, the city brought the landscape architects together with the Chess Club to ensure the design program met the organization’s playing needs and celebrated the rich history and traditions of chess.
The final design for the park found its roots in the history, evolution and rituals of chess and its unique pieces. Ideas of form, function and meaning of the game as an instrument of culture drove the development of the park elements. More importantly, and beyond its architectural and artistic virtues, the park’s existence is a tiny symbol of victory of intellect over consumerism. In an age where grand malls, chain coffee shops and video games are defining our free time, the concept of a park dedicated to developing young minds and bringing people together is quite noble and should be appreciated.
The park did and still has its detractors. Ironically, the $540,000 price tag was not a major argument against the construction of the park. The budget had already been earmarked before the park’s concept had been realized. The main crux of the argument against the park was the idea that the park could attract the “wrong crowd.” This same argument is as valid for green spaces, malls and the ever-growing number of coffee chains around town.
The difference being, the Chess Park’s premise is to encourage thinking and strategizing during a game that is well-respected around the world. Yet, despite the well-intentioned purpose of the park and the occasional chess tournaments, the park is rarely utilized to its maximum potential.
The construction of the park was initially highly politicized, and anyone wanting to support and promote the park at this point may find themselves alienating powerful lobbying blocs in the city. Moreover, although the initial idea of the park took creative thought and leadership to execute, once the project was completed, the creative thought on how to utilize the park virtually dried up.
Years ago, one of the main critics of the park observed that the park is too hot, has no shade and no restrooms, making it inconvenient for regular use. I find myself in the odd position of agreeing, but not for the sake of confirming the “I told you so” viewpoint. Despite its award-winning design, it is possible that the park also lacks some of the essential conveniences to make it a viable alternative for people to come together.
The beauty is that if managed correctly, residents wouldn’t have to spend money on a cup of coffee or shop for the latest fashions to have fun. Chess Park can be an intellectual, architectural and artistic symbol for our city. Concurrent with earmarking budgets for new projects for arts and culture, we should also learn to best use what we already have.
With the right type of planning, leadership and minor improvements, Chess Park can begin to fulfill its potential by developing young minds, bringing people together and becoming a hip venue. It will take some courage on behalf of city officials and residents to make this happen. The alternative is the slow death of a beautiful idea.
Friday, July 3, 2009
A Beautiful Chess Park Needs Some Help
Here are photos of the design award-winning chess park in Glendale, California. Will city politics result in the slow death of a beautiful chess park?
FROM THE MARGINS:A few moves at Chess Park
By PATRICK AZADIAN
Published: Last Updated Monday, June 29, 2009 10:10 PM PDT
It took a stroke of genius for park-starved Glendale to turn an unused alley linking a city parking lot into a pocket park. The 4,500-square-foot Chess Park is a space devoted to its namesake, with five illuminated oversized chess pieces standing guard over the 16 concrete tables.
Glendale residents may not think much of the park, but as is sometimes the case, people don’t always appreciate the jewels they have in our own backyards.
The park came to my attention through a modern and well-respected architectural magazine. I had to read the review to the end to realize the photos and more-than-complimentary commentary was about our own Chess Park. I had to do a double-take of the stylish photos. “Wow!” was my immediate reaction.
The park received the 2006 General Award of Design Honor from the American Society of Landscape Architects. A juror described the park as “Fun, fabulous and quirky. Exactly what an urban pocket park should be: playful.”
The Glendale Chess Club was instrumental in making the park a reality. They had approached the city as a group to request a designated space where its club and others could play. The city found a solution by utilizing the undeveloped Brand Boulevard passageway. In a unique and progressive partnership, the city brought the landscape architects together with the Chess Club to ensure the design program met the organization’s playing needs and celebrated the rich history and traditions of chess.
The final design for the park found its roots in the history, evolution and rituals of chess and its unique pieces. Ideas of form, function and meaning of the game as an instrument of culture drove the development of the park elements. More importantly, and beyond its architectural and artistic virtues, the park’s existence is a tiny symbol of victory of intellect over consumerism. In an age where grand malls, chain coffee shops and video games are defining our free time, the concept of a park dedicated to developing young minds and bringing people together is quite noble and should be appreciated.
The park did and still has its detractors. Ironically, the $540,000 price tag was not a major argument against the construction of the park. The budget had already been earmarked before the park’s concept had been realized. The main crux of the argument against the park was the idea that the park could attract the “wrong crowd.” This same argument is as valid for green spaces, malls and the ever-growing number of coffee chains around town.
The difference being, the Chess Park’s premise is to encourage thinking and strategizing during a game that is well-respected around the world. Yet, despite the well-intentioned purpose of the park and the occasional chess tournaments, the park is rarely utilized to its maximum potential.
The construction of the park was initially highly politicized, and anyone wanting to support and promote the park at this point may find themselves alienating powerful lobbying blocs in the city. Moreover, although the initial idea of the park took creative thought and leadership to execute, once the project was completed, the creative thought on how to utilize the park virtually dried up.
Years ago, one of the main critics of the park observed that the park is too hot, has no shade and no restrooms, making it inconvenient for regular use. I find myself in the odd position of agreeing, but not for the sake of confirming the “I told you so” viewpoint. Despite its award-winning design, it is possible that the park also lacks some of the essential conveniences to make it a viable alternative for people to come together.
The beauty is that if managed correctly, residents wouldn’t have to spend money on a cup of coffee or shop for the latest fashions to have fun. Chess Park can be an intellectual, architectural and artistic symbol for our city. Concurrent with earmarking budgets for new projects for arts and culture, we should also learn to best use what we already have.
With the right type of planning, leadership and minor improvements, Chess Park can begin to fulfill its potential by developing young minds, bringing people together and becoming a hip venue. It will take some courage on behalf of city officials and residents to make this happen. The alternative is the slow death of a beautiful idea.
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