The first thing you’ll notice about Debra Hopkins (aka Miss Debbie) is her smile. It’s infectious and easy; the benevolent smile of a favorite aunt or elementary school librarian. She immediately puts you at ease. She’s the kind of person you want working with your child, which makes her perfect in her role as Youth Activities Coordinator for Washington Square Park.

When Miss Debbie started in her role in fall of 2018, she had already been part of the WSP family for 3.5 years as part of the maintenance team; longer, if you consider the 30+ years that she’s been a Park user. But she’s always been drawn to working with children and she sees this new position as a continuation of her path, not a break from it. She worked for 14 years as a drug prevention councilor; 9 years in an elementary school and 5 years in a high school. She taught a pre-college program at NYU. “I’ve always had a connection with children,” Miss Debbie says. “It feels natural for me to interact with kids and their families.”

And that’s exactly what Miss Debbie’s job entails: interacting with children and families. Traditionally, the playground associate has been a seasonal job, it hasn’t been a full time position since the 70s. They make sure that the playgrounds are clean, and facilitate games and arts and crafts projects. But with the support of the Conservancy, Miss Debbie has taken it to a whole new level. Miss Debbie is dreaming much, much bigger. “This position needs to be a connection between the community and the Park,” she says, with a gleam in her eye. “I believe in taking what’s already there, bringing them together, and making something new.”

Since Miss Debbie began, she has worked with WSPC to bring new children’s programs to the Park, such as her much beloved “Art in the Park” arts & crafts program on Wednesday afternoons from 3pm-6pm in the Park’s NW Corner. But this season she’s kicking it up a notch and introducing two new events for kids. Starting in mid-June she’ll begin opening up her “Library of Fun,” a box of toys and games for children to borrow and enjoy on Thursday afternoons from 3pm-6pm in the NW corner. Then in mid-July Miss Debbie will lead “Movement & Music” classes for children to dance and play musical instruments on alternating Friday and Saturday afternoons from 1pm-4pm in the NW corner. Keep updated on all Miss Debbie events, as well as our other programs for kids such as Yoga and volunteering opportunities on our events page.

When she’s not hosting structured events for kids, Miss Debbie can be found rotating through the large and tot playgrounds and the Play Hills, admiring the children’s garden, and facilitating fun. And she’s always eager to meet new families. “I want people to come up to me and say hi or ask questions! I can help them find the family bathroom, help them sign up for the family email list, teach them a new game, give suggestions on which playground they may like best, anything!” So you heard it straight from Miss Debbie herself, seek her out. She wants to get to know you. And while you’re there don’t forget to check out the playground bulletin board for up-to-date information on what’s happening in the Park!