Sense of Centennial

          Centennial Park holds a rich and valuable history that makes it a significant symbol of downtown Atlanta. It’s the hub for people of different ethnicities and backgrounds to come together and enjoy their time. Around noon, the park becomes filled with people and three of my senses come alive.

With my eyes closed, I hear jazz coming from a local street performer, laughter of children playing and dogs barking at their owners. There is a rhythmic bass coming from a male jazz vocalist, as it echoes throughout the park. To my left, I listen to the scuffling of feet that is in sync with the beat of the music, to which belonged to the street dancers. Aside from the music, children’s laughter echoes from all corners of the park while families and friends enjoy each other’s presence. The coldness from the water fountain aroused children’s giggles. Faintly, the honks from cars and street sirens slip into the park’s tranquility.

It is a warm Sunday afternoon in Centennial Park, which is an ideal time for families to relish in the sun. The colors of the freshly bloomed flowers are vibrant; there are a variety of red, yellow, pink and white hues decorated around the fields. There is the occasional dull tone of litter as well as fallen leaves from gigantic trees that encircle the park. Around the corner of the park, I can see fathers barbequeing for their families. The smoke rising from the grills engulf the air. During that time, the mothers enjoy the company of their family friends. They gather and converse about everyday topics while sitting around the small picnic with smiles on their tired faces. The significance of the fountain of rings is lost on the innocent kids as they play a game of Marco Polo. The kids are soon summoned by their parents to enjoy the grilled food. On the other side of the park, the homeless reside. While some of the homeless beg for money to pay for food, others play a game of chess. Bystanders begin to gravitate towards the games that are being played and a tiny crowd convenes to observe this little tournament. The players’ face is consumed by concentration as they try to predict their opponent’s next move. What a sight to see. The audience stands in silence as they too are intrigued by the complexity of the game. Several feet away, young couples sit close to the fountain of rings enjoying each other’s company. Occasionally, their attention shifts to the children and smiling began to emerge from their faces.

Various smells are prominent in the park. Smoke from the grills consumed the park with its odor. The smell of burnt hotdogs and hamburgers lingered around all corners of the park. Luckily the smell of freshly cut grass opposed the foods’ odor. Cigarette smoke is strong around where pedestrians are smoking away. All in all, people continue on with their day.  Even with the chaotic background, the park is known for its tranquility. While sitting down and observing the park, you notice the positive aspects. The city, the cars, and the noise all become obsolete to people. Within the park, a sense of ease falls upon the park goers.