WSPC STATEMENT: Permitted Events – Updated September 16, 2020

We know that this summer has looked different than anyone anticipated. Instead of being outside together in Washington Square Park enjoying fitness classes, movie nights, volunteer events, and kids programming, we’ve been inside working hard to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and healthy.

As the worst of the pandemic seems to be subsiding, many of you have been asking when your favorite in-Park programs will return. As you may know, WSPC doesn’t just program for fun, we program with a purpose. All of our activities are carefully planned to provide diverse Park users free, quality activities. In addition, programs are designed to help promote positive usage in spaces of the Park that can sometimes see less desirable activity.

As much as we would love to be outside with you, at this time we are unable to proceed with any planned activities in the Park. The City has determined that certain Parks should be minimally-permitted so the general public could fully utilize the Park. While we had hoped to provide some limited, socially-distanced programs this fall, we look forward to being back outside with you next season.

NYC PARKS UPDATE: Important Service Changes Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Updated August 31, 2020

The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 disease, known as the coronavirus, a pandemic. During this time, we ask that all park goers use additional precautions to protect their health and safety and that of those around them.

At this time, City parks are open. We ask that all park goers take extra precautions to stay healthy and safe. Please wear face coverings and maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others when outside and avoid congregating in groups.

Our park restrooms are open. We are cleaning our restrooms daily with appropriate cleaning products to ensure that they are being fully disinfected.

Our city playgrounds are open. For public safety, please wear a face covering and maintain at least six feet of distance between each child not in the same household. Playgrounds are cleaned daily, however, play equipment is not sterilized. Please stay home if you or your child feels sick, and wash your hands frequently, including before and after using play equipment.

Fields and courts are open. Participants should continue to wear face coverings, follow social distancing protocols and avoid participating in high-contact games such as football and pick-up basketball.

For more information about coronavirus and a guide on how to stay safe, please visit http://nyc.gov/coronavirus , or text COVID to 692-692 to receive regular SMS texts with the latest news and developments from Notify NYC .

Many events being held in parks by outside groups are being canceled or rescheduled. Before attending, please check with the organizing group to confirm.

COVID-19 Testing

Free COVID-19 testing is now available in New York City at more than 100 locations across the city. Visit the City’s COVID-19 Testing page for more.

Face Coverings

New York City will continue face coverings in parks across the city free of charge through the social distancing period. For more information visit nyc.gov/facecoverings.

Facility Re-Openings

As our facilities re-open, we ask that patrons wear a face covering and maintain at least six feet of social distance between each household. Wash your hands frequently and wipe down equipment. Cover your coughs and sneezes, do not touch your face, and stay home if you feel sick.

• City playgrounds are open.
• Golf courses and driving ranges are re-open.
• Skate parks are re-open.
• Grilling areas are re-open.
• City beaches are re-open for swimming. Please remember to only swim when lifeguards are on duty (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m). Swimming is prohibited at all other times. Please make sure to wear a face covering, except while in the water.
• Dog runs are re-open. Our off-leash rules still apply, but please note that the Center for Disease Control recommends that all dog owners keep their dogs on a leash and maintain at least six feet of distance from other people and animals.
• Basketball, handball, tennis, bocce, and volleyball courts are re-open. Participants should continue to wear face coverings, follow social distancing protocols and avoid high-contact games, such as pick-up basketball.
• 15 of New York City’s public pools have re-opened for swimming through September 7. These pools include
  • Bronx: Crotona Pool, Haffen Pool; Mullaly Pool
  • Brooklyn: Betsy Head Pool; Kosciuszko Pool; Sunset Pool
  • Manhattan: Hamilton Fish Pool; Jackie Robinson Pool; Marcus Garvey Pool; Wagner Pool
  • Queens: Astoria Pool; Fisher Pool; Liberty Pool
  • Staten Island: Lyons Pool, Tottenville Pool
• The High Line is re-open.
• The Wildlife Conservation Society re-opened its zoos and aquarium to all guests.

Facility Closures

• All NYC Parks Recreation Centers are closed to the public until further notice. We will be extending all memberships to our recreation center members to cover the length of time we are closed.
• All City nature centers are closed until further notice.
• The City’s historic houses are working to safely reintroduce visitors to their museums.
  • Check individual house museum websites  for updated hours and visitation information.
• The Swedish Cottage is closed.
• The Arsenal Gallery is closed until further notice.
• At this time, certain concessions remain closed, including amusement parks and carousels, indoor tennis facilities, and others.
  • Farmers markets and gas stations are open. Customers must practice social distancing.
  • Most bicycle rental operations are open. Customers must practice social distancing.
  • Most golf courses and outdoor tennis concessions are open. Customers must practice social distancing,
  • Most snack bars & some restaurants are open for takeout or delivery, and some for outdoor dining. Customers must practice social distancing.
  • Stables remain operational for boarding and are now open to outdoor riding.

Programming Service Changes

• NYC Parks is once again reviewing permit applications for special events. No permits will be granted for applications with an expected attendance of more than 50 people at any one time.
• Field and court applications are now available. At this time, we are only reviewing and issuing permits for youth baseball, softball, non-contact lacrosse, cricket, soccer and flag football organizations and leagues. We will not be reviewing or issuing permits for adult organizations and leagues.
• Tennis permits are not required for the 2020 season. If you have already purchased a permit, it will be valid through 2021.
• At the discretion of each garden group, GreenThumb community gardens operating on NYC Parks property may open to licensed garden members as well as to members of the general public. Gardens are not required to host public open hours, and public events and gatherings inside gardens are still prohibited.
• The Urban Park Rangers are offering free pop-up programs with limited attendance on a first come, first served basis.
• Shape Up NYC is offering free outdoor programs with limited attendance.
• Media Education instructors are offering free outdoor workshops with limited attendance.
• The Arts, Culture & Fun series will host a series of outdoor workshops with limited attendance.
• Many aquatics programs, including Learn to Swim and Lap Swim, are cancelled for the summer 2020 season.
• Marinas, boatyards, and boat launches are open for personal use of vessels only. Vessel charters, rentals, and group activities or social gatherings are prohibited. Patrons must practice social distancing at all times and wear a face covering where social distancing is not possible.

Visit our list of Virtual and Online Programs to find upcoming events presented by NYC Parks and our friends and partners.

WSPC Statement – Updated June 3, 2020

We are deeply pained by the unconscionable death of George Floyd and add our voice to the calls for justice. 

Washington Square Park remains—as do all our public parks—
a place where people can come together to peacefully protest and unite their voices to make critical change happen.

While it is upsetting to see the defacing of our Park’s monuments, this public commentary pales in comparison to the reason for the unrest. We do want to reassure you that we’re working closely with NYC Parks to address graffiti on the Arch, statues, and fountain.

We are proud to stand with those calling for justice, and will continue to build solidarity among our staff, Park users, and community.

WSPC Statement – Updated April 29, 2020

As we enter the sixth week of the PAUSE, we know everyone is itching to be outside. Our homes are starting to feel confining, and the increasingly beautiful weather is difficult to resist. 

Even in these difficult times, Washington Square Park is still there for you. While the playgrounds and dog runs are currently closed, the Park is open to all who want a bit of sunshine and fresh air and restrooms are open. But our top priority is the health and safety of Park workers and users. 

NYC Parks asks that all park goers take extra precautions to stay healthy and safe by following social distancing guidelines. Please maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others when outside, avoid congregating in groups, and wear a face covering when you are unable to maintain social distance.

Our staff remains committed to caring for the Park, safely. They have been issued appropriate protective gear from NYC Parks, and have been provided additional handmade masks by WSPC admin staff. They continue to diligently clean the Park and maintain the landscapes to keep the Park a place of solace for us all. 

Per NYC Parks, all permitted events have been suspended through June 30th. We know this means that some favorite Park events, like the Washington Square Music Festival, will not be able to be in the Park this season. We are working with organizations to find virtual alternatives so we can all still enjoy these beloved traditions.

We encourage you to visit our website to stay up-to-date for any of the latest information regarding any possible closures or program changes. For up-to-date information about parks across the city, please visit NYC Parks’ website.

If you have specific questions about the virus, please visit the NYC Department of Health website or contact the New York coronavirus hotline at 888-364-3065. For our furry, four-legged Park users, check out the Animal Medical Center website for information on how the outbreak may impact your pets.

WSPC Statement – Updated March 14, 2020

WSPC is working closely with NYC Parks to monitor the quickly evolving health concern of COVID-19 in New York City. Our top priority is the safety and health of our staff, and the broader Park community. As of now the Park and its facilities remain open to all. Bathrooms will receive additional cleanings throughout the day, and staff will be wiping down playground and games equipment, and the tables.

We would also like to share the importance of following the precautions outlined by health agencies, including the New York City Department of Health coronavirus guidelines:

• Stay home if you are sick or in close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing—do not use your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The DOH has an easy guide to the best hand-washing practices.
• Do not shake hands. Instead, wave or elbow bump.

If at any point we need to close facilities or suspend programs, we will do so with the direction and support of public health officials and NYC Parks. We will communicate this information via email, our website and social media.

We encourage you to visit our website to stay up to date for any of the latest information regarding any possible closures or program changes.

If you have specific questions about the virus, please visit the NYC Department of Health website or contact the the New York coronavirus hotline at 888-364-3065. For our furry, four-legged Park users, check out the Animal Medical Center website for information on how the outbreak may impact your pets.