Harrison, George

Strawberry Field Forever

Have you ever been to the Central Park? Have you ever noticed there is a small garden, which can be so important for the Beatles fan or music lovers? Here you are: it's the Strawberry Field.

Strawberry Field is a 2.5-acre teardrop-shape garden near entrance of 72nd St at Central Park west and was named after John Lennon's famous song: Strawberry Field Forever in the Magical Mystery Tour album. It was sponsored by Yoko Ono, as an International garden of peace dedicated to memorialize her late husband John Lennon. A large mosaic set in the sidewalk inscribing the world "imagine" was a gift from city of Naples in Italy. The plants in the garden were donated by countries all over the world. During summer, free events ranging from concerts to opera and other music performance are held at Central Park Summertage.

Why is the garden meaningful for all Beatles fan? One of the reasons is that in the corner of the 72nd Street you can find a building in which John Lennon lived the last years of his life. On Dec 8th 1980, he was shot by one of his fans in front of the main entrance of the Dakota building. Every Dec. 8th, crowds gather at Strawberry Field and Dakota to commemorate the anniversary of John's death. Another mournful thing I want to mention is the guitarist of the Beatles, George Harrison, died of the brain cancer on Nov 29th 2001. As you may have already seen it from the local newspaper, hundreds of fans gathered at Strawberry Field during the weekends. They brought candles, flowers and pictures of Harrison and sang songs together. I was a part of them of course because I'm also a huge Beatles fan. I spent the whole Sunday afternoon with these people.

To conclude, Strawberry Field and nearby area can be a wonderful place for recreations, sports and personal activities. It can also be the oasis for the people who live in the modern city. To me, it is a tiny, sacred space not only for music lovers but also for those who want to hold moment of meditation in peace. If you happen to be in upper town next time, be sure to pay a visit to the Strawberry Field at the Central Park West. Hope you can enjoy the garden like I do.