What’s one of Washington Square Park’s greatest assets? Its committed volunteers! These community members spend their time assisting with everything from gardening and trash pick-up to photography and answering questions from Park-goers, all to make your time in the Park better. We’d like to introduce you to a few of these Parkies, one from each of our 4 committed programs.

Photography Volunteer, Sonja

Meet Sonja, one of WSPC’s Photography Volunteers! Born and raised in Seattle, WA, Sonja moved to the city for college nearly a decade ago and has made it her home. “I volunteer at the park because it makes me more connected to New York,” says Sonja. “In this city you can really feel like just one of the millions, but taking the time to invest your energy into a local spot shows that one person can make a positive impact on their community.”

As a Photography Volunteer, Sonja takes captures beautiful pictures of WSP that are featured on our website, social media channels, and print materials. The Park is a perfect muse for a creative soul like Sonja. “My favorite part of volunteering is getting to see the Park in all of its lives through the seasons,” she says. “The Park’s personality really ebbs and flows alongside all of its visitors.”

Wednesday Weeder Volunteer, Aurora

Meet Aurora, one of WSP’s longest-serving Wednesday Weeder Volunteers! She’s been a Greenwich Villager for more years than she cares to admit, and loves being part of the community, “giving back to WSP is special, and by volunteering in the Park you get immersed in the feeling of being part of the community,” says Aurora.

As a Wednesday Weeder, Aurora works alongside WSP’s gardeners to tend to the Park’s horticulture. “WSP feels like my big backyard at times,” says Aurora. “I plant bulbs in the fall and watch them flower in the spring! I get to see the fruits of my labor, especially in the summer when the variety of plants we have planted come up at different times adding a beautiful array of color to the Park. The pleasure on the faces of visitors and locals is priceless.”

Clean Team Volunteer, Gerald (and Luci!)

Meet Gerald, and his Great Dane Lucifer, one of WSPC’s Clean Team Volunteers. After nearly a decade in Greenwich Village, Gerald decided it was time to give back and joined the Clean Team last year. “I choose to volunteer because this is the best Park in the city,” he says enthusiastically.

We appreciate anyone who can keep up that positive spirit while picking up trash! As part of the Clean Team, Gerald assists the WSP staff with litter removal, traversing around the Park with a trash can and grabber, Luci often at his side. “If you see us at work, stop and say hello!”

Greeter/Guide Volunteer, Pat

Meet Pat, one of WSPC’s Greeter/Guide Volunteers! As a retired teacher, Pat loves to learn and teach, which makes her perfect in her volunteer role. “I love this Park for its nature, its history, for the people who enjoy it and their personal stories,” says Pat.

As a Greeter/Guide, Pat hangs out in the Park on weekends answering Park-goers’ questions about everything from history to horticulture. She also helps to lead a monthly tour of the Park. “There is always a reason why people come to WSP. This little park offers so much to so many people and people go to have a good time,” she says.