Ася Горбачева
This is the biggest park in East Village, being though still very compact. It has a rich history. Formerly, poor immigrants, who worked at the factories in the western part of the city, lived here. They went out on strikes and riots against unfair labour conditions. During the Vietnam War, anti-war demonstrations were held in the park. Later on began the era of drugs and crimes, homeless riots and rock festivals. Due to dramatic gentrification of the neighbourhood in the 1990s, the symbol of social instability and injustice turned into a cosy green field with flowers, a basketball court and a dog walking area. Nowadays, young pairs hang out here with their children, while in summer pretty girls use the spot to sunbathe.
