Graffiti Reflections: Art in Abandonment

Washington Grove and Cobb’s Hill Park, two neighboring public parks in Rochester, New York, offer a diverse range of recreational and natural experiences. Cobb’s Hill Park has sports facilities, Lake Riley and a 0.7-mile paved loop around the Cobb’s Hill Reservoir.

Washington Grove, on the other hand, is a 100-acre forest with hiking trails and breathtaking views of the city. Both parks are popular for activities like hiking, birdwatching, sports and one very unusual activity is creating art on a pair of abandoned water tanks. The parks are accessible year-round.

The interior of one of the abandoned water tanks

Graffiti Artist at work on one of the abandoned water tanks in Washington Grove.

A single entryway has been crudely cut through each of the tanks to permit access to the interior.

Some of the graffiti is exceptionally well done, and I would truly consider it artwork worthy of a gallery.

The two tanks are in close proximity of each other and there is a path that leads completely around each tank.

Pathway leading up to the water tanks.

There are many interconnecting trails in Washington Grove

The main entrance into the reservoir that sits at the top of cop Hill. I did have a little fun that day and carried with me an 8 mm fisheye which I used to capture this image and one earlier image of the entrance way to the water tank.

There is an excellent view of the city skyline that can be viewed from the walking path around the Reservoir

This photograph was shot back in the wintertime, showing the reservoir, partly frozen over.