Transforming Field Notes into a Descriptive Essay

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Hussam Huegi

Prof. Tully

Anth 305G

February 23, 2021

Field observation

Field observation Heron Park was an interesting place to do an observation, simply sitting in one spot for 30 minutes observing one’s surroundings. So, to continue, at first glance, Heron Park in Brentwood and it is located in the east bay one hour drive from San Francisco. Much of the traditional parks are provided with grass, seating benches, few trees and typically sport facilities like basketball or soccer fields or even both. In addition, the parks also have pleasant surroundings. The surroundings around Heron Park are far from what most people would consider to be pleasant. From the picnic table where I conducted my observation in Heron Park. I could see a farm just on the eastern side of the park with acers of land full of orchid trees. There was also a big fence the size of an Olympic swimming pool in the middle of the park, it’s purpose to prevent floods when a rainstorm comes in. And a used car lot and a mix of mechanic shops ,2-3 gas stations, most of which is surrounded by apartments complexes. As far as people in the park, I was there late afternoon about 50 minutes to sunset, there were not many people there. There was one peculiar individual, a young male, who I observed walking his German Shepperd dog around the park for approximately ten minutes. Nothing, but going in circles, and then he walked across to the other side of the road. There was a couple who I assume is the father, pushing a young child on a swing. They left the park on foot after a brief amount of time.. The last few people I saw during this observation, were a couple and a friend of theirs and 3 little girls in the age of 2-4 years old playing in the playground area. An ice-cream man who drove by and 2 people who passed through the park and walked on down the road, were probably from the Brentwood city, who did some repairs in and around the park, tested sprinklers, drained waste and did what was required. As far as structures go, there was the one small square one-story building with the brick and cement canopy structures that covered approximately ten picnic tables. was untouched. In addition, there was some broken glass here and there, it was not so excessive that one would harm themselves, if they were careful. Furthermore, the grass and trees seemed healthy. To add on to the social/other areas of the park, gatherings of goat’s graze in the pool area to clear it from all grown weed grasses that have been growing throughout the year (which the pool as said is made to drain excessive amount of water during a storm). Sport events are held in this park such as soccer matches. Unfortunately, it has been quite for a while since COVID 19 had struck earlier last year of 2020 and due to that mass outbreak in our community and many others as well throughout the world, social distancing is practiced and minimal to none sports are played at the moment. Whether it’s practice or actual games to be played. So overall, from what it looks like that the park receives regular maintenance. And, while the park was partially surrounded by car mechanic shops and several gas stations, the residents I observed around the park seemed to enjoy it being there. To conclude, my observation assignment showed me that Heron Park provides ample opportunity to enjoy in Brentwood area. Finally, doing the observation was an intriguing experience and is a good way to gather sociological information. In addition, it showed me that Heron Park is a good representation of family, business, community park. It made me realize made me realize how deferent Heron park was before with energy roaming around as far as people gatherings and actives. Not only that ‘but the lively hood of the area goats grazing, field water in the ditch from high prestation, and life around. Sadly, now there less going on, with climate change causing less rain and dryer claymate. At last due to COVID19 life has been depleted and less seen of.