Union Square More Than a Park
Union Square: Outside the Box
by Aidan Garver ‘24 Sean Graber ‘24 Owen Weis ‘24
April 21 2023
There’s more to Union Square, San Francisco, California, than what’s on paper, just like here at Regis Jesuit High School. Union Square is in the heart of the San Francisco neighborhood, “The Tenderloin”, the name arising from the particular shape of the neighborhood. Similar to the McNickolas Green on campus, Union Square is quite literally just a public space, both sharing many diverse characteristics.
“I feel like it’s – it’s kind of like a safe place. It’s happening, it’s busy, and I love enjoying a nice performance.” Karima Hassine, a commuter from the Netherlands who was sitting with a coworker sipping a coffee, explains as she elaborates how she loves the open feel of the park.
The performance she refers to was an outdoor dance recital, the HeART of Market Performance, for one of the many youth dance groups in the area. Taking place on the outdoor stage, the performance lasted over the course of an hour, with many of the groups running through practice performances hours before for all to enjoy. Ages ranging from young school children through some in their late teens, the performers showed their contemporary dance skills throughout the morning, displaying pure encouragement for their counterparts and competition.
The unusual environment in the heart of the city allowed for a free performance to the awing audience in the craziness of the world around them. Surrounded by a concrete metropolis, more specifically a lavish array of shops and businesses. Such as the ever-iconic, Macy’s, Louis Vuitton, and Loro Piana. Union Square is no stranger to the busy city life of San Francisco. Describing it as, “clean”, Karima expresses how occupants of Union Square can escape the common issues taking place in the big city.
“Hopefully, they’re trying to clean up the city a little bit, since COVID there’s a lot of homeless people, and shops are closed, but I think they’re trying to reopen things again,” says Karima.
The ever-present homeless problem in San Francisco is not something to look down on or downplay. The issues often cause people to feel uneasy or uncomfortable. Not in Union Square. The green sanctuary allows people to kick back and just enjoy the world around them. Especially, local, Freddie Williams.
“My morning routine, the center of the city, the culture, the people,” says Williams when asked about why he comes down to Union Square. He mentions how every morning he goes to Union Square to bask in the sunshine and simply enjoy the world around him.
“I worked in retail for thirty years,” says Freddie, “so, I’m always looking for what’s new. It’s either here or the Ferry Plaza before I go off to Oakland.”
The Square has a constant flow of events and activities as referenced by Freddie. In the short time there, RJ Media experienced live music, contemporary dance, the sounds of skateboards, and bustling businessmen.
Union Square is much more than just a public park, just like the infamous McNickolas Green. Full of life, laughter, and happiness. The Green provides an element to Regis Jesuit that Union Square provides to San Francisco, a space to be carefree and just enjoy the beauty around you.
The beloved Green sees sports practices, orchestra programs, and student leisure on a daily basis, providing students with an area to decompress from their studies. Essential for the growth of the mind and relaxation of the body, the Green accomplishes everything that Union Square in San Francisco strives to ensure itself.
Of course, on paper, we see that Union Square and McNickolas Green are just like any other ordinary park, but to those that use its beauty and facilities, it is a haven from the businesses of the world around them.
More photos available @ https://www.instagram.com/p/CrUKRoBuGrM/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=