I co-chaired the Village Elementary and Lower Middle School Invention and Science Convention this year with two energetic and committed women. The event was scheduled to start at 9:15, but we convened at the High School at 8 AM. Because it was snowing, I gave myself a little extra time to navigate the local roads.
I wanted to capture some snow scenes and drive along the roads. I kept looking for a place to stop to capture the experience of the snow falling on the canopy of trees lining the roads. I was almost to the High School when I noticed the entrance to Skillman Park.
A battalion of leafless trees framed a solitary bench. The trees stand cloaked in snow, their branches tracing patterns against a snow-white background. The park is painted in shades of white and black.
The bench, worn by time, rests under the silent watch of the trees, their boughs heavy with snow. The ground, untouched by footsteps, stretches out like a blank canvas, where the only mark is nature's.
The stillness reaches out, inviting me to find peace in the cool air. The quiet is palpable, wrapping around me like a blanket. The photograph captures more than a place; it captures the essence of winter's quiet solitude.
The park has a long, storied history that you can read about on the township website. The park was once the site of a psychiatric care facility, which eventually fell into disrepair. The township and the county are working to restore the space to its former beauty.
