Each year, Washington Square Park welcomes approximately 12 million users, and the Park’s lawns bear a brunt of the park’s heavy use. Tens of thousands of feet compact the lawns, pushing the existing elevation down flat and squeezing out the air that allows grass and trees to grow. If care isn’t taken, lawns can get so compacted that they require restoration, like we saw with the large northwestern lawn, which was reopened in 2020 after an extensive renovation and re-grading thanks to a generous donation from Dalio Philanthropies.

To avoid compaction, it’s important to give the lawns a chance to rest without any traffic. We try to close no more than two lawns per season to balance the needs of park goers with the needs of the lawns. This season we have closed the lawn just south of the Garibaldi Monument and the lawn directly in front of the Park House, colloquially referred to as “The Beach”. Lawn closures typically go from September to May, so by next summer they’ll be open for all to enjoy once again.

A lot of work is done to the lawns while they’re closed to the public. The landscapes team starts by fencing off the area and posting signs. This year, Head Gardener Gui has had the insight to try a new type of fencing, which is taller and has a square instead of rectangular pattern. This new type of fence is stronger and can do a better job of protecting the resting lawn from those who would try to bend and hop the fence. Thanks to WSPC for donating the fencing!

Once the lawns are closed, a survey of the irrigation lines is done to identify where they are and check for necessary repairs. The lawns are then aerated, along with all the other lawns in the Park. The aeration allows air, water and nutrients to penetrate the soil, which is essential for a healthy lawn. Grass seed, Washington Square Park’s own unique blend of Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, and Rye that can stand up to our light conditions and heavy usage, is spread across the lawn. We are sure to throw down extra to account for the seed eaten by birds and squirrels! That new grass will grow through the fall before dying off in the winter, leaving a root system behind underground that allows the grass to grow back even stronger come springtime.

As you walk by the closed “Beach” lawn you’ll notice a new type of mat has been laid down along the familiar but informal route, what we in Parks call a desire line. I’m very excited about this project, which is something new we’re bringing to Washington Square Park. This grass mat has a distinct pattern that allows it to be strong and durable enough to protect the lawn underneath it, while allowing maximum air and sunlight through to the grass below.

In previous years this desire line has seen heavy use as park goers utilize the comfort station. The traffic quickly kills off the grass, and the area becomes compacted, dusty, and barren. Under those conditions, rain brings increased soil erosion and heavy puddling.  This mat will mitigate these problems while still allowing the lawn to be used the way the community wishes. Eventually the grass will grow up through the mat, and while it won’t entirely disappear, it will blend into the landscape while still providing much needed protection. We’ll be deploying the mats along a few other spots on this lawn where we know there is heavy use. We’re excited to report that there’s already grass growing through the mats, and we look forward to watching the transformation continue through the fall.

 

I’m happy to report that the five thousand daffodil bulbs mentioned in last week’s email have almost all been planted, along with the plants donated by the Conservancy. The landscapes team has been paying particular attention to planting in spots behind the Garibaldi statue, the Washington Place entrance on the west side, and the southeast corner of the park.

We’re looking forward to an industrious fall season, and can’t wait to see those fall colors arrive in the park over the next few weeks. I encourage you all to bring your cameras and capture the beauty!