Lee B. Freeman is no Christo, but he's caused quite a stir with his art in the park. Surrounding each of the four green spaces in historic Mount Vernon Square with an enclosed, gold-painted chain link fence was no small feat, and it was just the start of his art project. But so far he has managed to offend people's taste, challenge their concept of art, restrict their movement and play havoc with the notion of a walk in the park. He may have intended an outdoor artscape, but he has inspired a spirited debate worthy of any good civics lesson. What's wonderful about all the commotion is the passion generated over a municipal park.
If only all of the city parks would have such loyal and outspoken followings. Some of the more notable ones certainly do, from the undulating Patterson Park on the east side to deeply forested Leakin Park on the west side. Druid Hill Park, the classic among the pack, has its supporters, but how often have they rallied to its defense? In case Mayor Sheila Dixon and other political leaders have missed it, this unusual expression of civic pride reflects a collective sense of ownership. And they should tap into it. Parks matter to people, and in a city of asphalt and concrete and glass, access to clean, well-groomed outdoor space is essential for the spirit.
As uplifting in the debate over Mr. Freeman's appropriation of the Mount Vernon parks (and statues; he was dressing them up) was the range of voices raised. It was not just the dog walkers and runners and tai chi practioners but also the public gardeners eager for the first crocuses to bloom and the residents with a view that is now interrupted by a gilded cage.
The young artist Freeman, who designed the project as part of a class at the Maryland Institute College of Art, has been taking a lot of guff from folks. But he followed all the city rules and got his permits and approvals, and if Councilman William H. Cole IV is troubled by the outcome, he should take it up with the respective city agencies. Although Mr. Cole's call for a full public hearing on the subject may be in direct proportion to the complaints of his constituents, it's over the top. Public spaces, after all, are often closed or at least blocked because of construction, movie shoots and other reasons.
The city agency that fell down on the job here appears to be the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation, which failed to adequately resolve community concerns about the duration of Mr. Freeman's exhibit. MICA officials say they would have tried to address the concerns if they had known about them.
And to the person who slapped an "Exclusionist" sticker on the shiny fence, you've got it all wrong. Mr. Freeman's creation has succeeded in including all segments of the community in a lively discussion of public space and who can claim it.