For the last decade, the Conservancy has advocated on behalf of Washington Square Park, leveraging community resources and encouraging stakeholders to take action to help keep the Park a space we can enjoy. While we’re excited to be celebrating our 10 year anniversary, that work has gotten more difficult over the last few years, and that’s why it’s more important than ever to have a village fighting on behalf of the Park…lucky for Washington Sq. it’s the heart of the best village in the world. 

We know it can be difficult to figure out how to advocate for your Park, so we’ve put together some suggestions to help you get started. 

START HERE

1. Educate yourself

Park rules/regulations and how responsibilities are split amongst various stakeholders is incredibly complex. Take a little time to learn the ins and outs, it’s important to be a well-informed advocate! Our How You Can Help guide is a good starting point, as well as NYC Parks’ website.

2. Volunteer your time

One of the most tangible ways you can advocate for the Park is by getting in on the effort to keep it clean. Join us at the next monthly clean up on August 13th.

3. Help your friends learn about us

A lot of folks still don’t know the Conservancy exists, even a decade later! Help us spread the word. Tell your networks to check out our website, sign up for our email list, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or come to one of our great free programs.

4. Donate

Did you know that WSPC financially supports about ⅓ of the staff at the Park? Help keep them hard at work, donate today.

5. Take to social media

Thank a Park worker or our volunteers, share your favorite spot in the Park, or show us what activity you enjoy doing there, however you want to show your love! Just make sure you tag @wspconservancy and use #VibrantWashingtonSqPark.

Need some photos to go along with your posts? Here are a few from our photography volunteers you can use.

Be A Community Advocate

6. Contact NYC Parks officials

Illegal activity and rule-breaking has increased at the Park.

It’s important that NYC Parks hear from people using the Park on a regular basis about your concerns for the Park.

7. Reach out to local elected officials

Our elected officials are there to take action on behalf of their constituents. Reach out and let them know your concerns for the Park and ask them what they’re doing to make an impact.

City Council in particular is responsible for setting the Parks budget. 

8. Contact the 6th Pct Community Affairs Office

311 reports are a great tool for the NYPD to be informed about incidents in the Park, but only if you report them. 

In addition to 311 reports, call the 6th Pct Community Affairs office to report what you’re seeing on the ground and ask the precinct to take action.

9. Attend a Community Board 2 Meeting

There are a number of different committees that address various facets of life in the Park, attend a meeting and make your concerns known.

10. Share your thoughts

We want to hear from you with your thoughts about the Park. Please fill out this survey.

Whatever action you decide to take on behalf of Washington Square Park, we appreciate your support. Washington Square Park is a vibrant, beautiful, essential part of our community, and it needs all our help to remain that way.