Cleft Ridge Span Brooklyn, NY 11225

"Very curvy. Lots of patterns. Strong selection of shapes, nearly the most impressive in the entire park. I had wanted to conduct a full day of ethnography at this span, but fate hath abandoned me in this mission as I found my presence to be too much a disruption to the natural habits of the species there. Many times I found a human making eye contact with my eyes, until I was forced to change locations to accommodate the harsh field conditions. I perched at the northwest corner, peering down at the exit below me to track the footsteps that had entered at the other side. I noticed a strange thing - the span seemed to have an effect of affect on those who walked through it. Twice I saw a youngster roam in, only to walk out with a firmer grip on life and what can only be termed a Protestant disposition. Once I even saw an elderly folk enter using a walker and exit using the same walker, as if to assert in the face of our society's sad sympathy for aging, "I am who I am and never the twain shall meet." This overcame me, not for its bravery but for the fact that I witnessed it and felt special. At the edge of the span I spied a northern mockingbird spying back at me, so I approached trepidaciously. It was a mistake, as the bird had several things to say. See the abridged account here: Many a night I've spent in these green leaves Wondering what other green leaves are like. Little did I know leaves are metaphors, Lances of knowledge just waiting to strike. Ethics is easy, my friend. Have you heard Of up and down? Then you know wrong and right. And there is right, and there is wrong, and the Force between is unfathomably strong - So strong that we often confuse their names And dare to say they are one and the same. Then again, it was a mockingbird."

"An amazing architecture and historical landmarks amongst many others in Prospect Park. Really calm and quiet area to walk through going towards the Camperdown Elm and the Boathouse. The fact that this is Americas first concrete archway makes the experience even better."

"So beautiful! What a gift! Stop and check the details! And learn about the Camperdown Elm tree right next to the west side entrance to the archway."

"Really admired the architecture while at the park. It wasn't till I went home that I found out it was America's First "Concrete" Archway. The history behind this structure is incredible, I recommend you read up on it and then see it in person!"

"Amazing spot to catch a local musician in the park. Definitely walk through on your way to the boathouse!"