You may no longer see them in downtown Manhattan, but walk north of 110th Street, and there they are, a traditional way to cool off in the hot weather.
Sometimes some communities provide low flow sprinkler heads to enable residents to use the hydrants, while having some control on water usage.
Busted fire hydrants produce an arc of water for the enjoyment and refreshment of kids, playing close to home. I even saw cars passing by to get a quick clean and pedestrians come close to get some of the cooling mist.
However, with gentrification on the rise, will this scene – typical of lower-income neighborhoods – be a thing of the past?
Personally, I think every block needs one to keep a vibrant life on the streets.
