FDR Four Freedoms Park

On October 24, 2013, Mr. Demeny, Mr. Brady, and Mr. Clavel accompanied the fifth graders to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island.  The renowned and influential modern architect Louis Kahn designed this memorial park in memory of our thirty-second president and his vision of a world with freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

For transportation the boys took the subway and the tram over the Hudson River.  Upon arrival they enjoyed packed lunches along the shoreline with wind swept fields at their backs and a view of the cityscape in the sunshine.  Park guides took the boys through the park, and the boys impressed them with their depth of knowledge and thoughtful observations and questions.  And the memorial’s design impressed the boys.  For example, when the guides allowed them to run across the tree-lined lawn, they experienced a sensational sense of freedom.

When asked what his favorite part of the trip was, John R. said that it was seeing the optical illusion of the lawn.  From one end it looked like a triangle, and from the other it looked like a rectangle.  Josh G. said it was looking through the cracks between the enormous granite pillars that created a plaza on the island’s tip.  These polished cracks cause an optical illusion making the pillar’s depth seem much shorter than it is.  Through the one inch slit one may clearly view the river and buildings in the distance.  Will W. said it was when the tour guide asked Mr. Brady to pose next to the bust of FDR.  Beck A.’s favorite part was listening to the harmonica player while waiting for the subway.  The field trip pleased all their senses.

The landscape, architecture, and gorgeous fall day provided for many photograph opportunities, which can be seen in the photo gallery.  Our thanks go to Mr. Demeny, Mr. Brady, Mr. Clavel, the parent chaperones, and the Four Freedom Park's tour guides for making this delightful experience possible.