As a once-upon-a-time NYU student, Washington Square will always hold a special place in my heart. And not just because “one” could always buy really good drugs and…sex…there. And by “really good” I just mean cheap, of course. And readily available. To stumbling drunkards. But I digress.

The point is, for four years that park was the focal point of my daily life. I was in it or on its periphery at least twice a day. I graduated there. I still feel nostalgic when I find myself in its environs. Which happens from time to time. But not for drugs. Or sex. Shut up.

Anyway, because of our history together, I find myself interested in my ex-park’s future and its long-pending renovations (detailed here, on Gothamist). And mostly, they leave me scratching my head. I mean, sure, in my time as a regular visitor, there were definitely times when I wished my park was less…gross. But really, is this renovation necessary? It’s not that I’m opposed to it. Go ahead, fix her up. I mean, we’ve all had intimate relationships where we’ve recognized little improvements that could be made to our beloved. A nip here, a tuck there. Sure. Get out the scalpels. Knock yourself out.

But what’s the point, really, of this extensive and expensive (and hotly opposed, of course) project? I don’t really get it.

Photo by Matthew Jesuele, from the Wikipedia entry on Washington Square Park.

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