Treed Cadets
Although it’s tough to see in this historic photo, cadets from the late 1800’s are sitting up in a tree in Kosciuszko’s Garden. The basic structure of the Garden remains the same today as it was 130 years ago. The major difference between then and now is that the path to the right that historically connected Kosciuszko’s Garden to Flirtation Walk was blocked off by a fence about 15 years ago. There are several feet of erosion on the path in the section shown above. Having the traditional entrance blocked off not only prevents cadets and their guests from using this historic path, it also cuts off the connection to a well used running trail. Instead of a straight shot to the trail, the only way to access Flirtation Walk is to go up the stairs and through the busy parking lot behind Cullum Hall. The blocked off portion of the path has beautiful views of the Hudson River and even stone walls that were constructed years ago. Although several groups have tried hard to get it repaired (including the cadets in the Department of Civil Engineering) it has been to no avail. Kosciuszko’s Garden restoration will never be complete until this path is reconnected. Hopefully someday cadets will be able to enjoy the full expanse of Flirtation Walk as thousands of cadets before them have done. Flirtation Walk and Kosciuszko’s Garden have provided respite to cadets throughout the Academy’s long and storied history. These historic sites deserve to be reconnected.
Monday, September 30, 2013