As 2018 is drawing to a close, we here at the Conservancy are taking a moment to reflect on all the great work that has been accomplished this season at Washington Square Park. It takes a team effort to ensure the Park remains clean, safe, and beautiful. It is because of generous WPSC donors and our hardworking staff and volunteers that the Park remains the clean, safe and beautiful place that we all love. Thank you.

Since April the Park has been home to nearly 100 programs and activities, some hosted by the community and some by the Conservancy. We’ve seen a little of everything: pumpkin painting, movies under the stars, open-air tango lessons, a photo day for dogs and so much more.

Dedicated groups of weekly and monthly volunteers have given their time to help maintain the Park. They’ve raked leaves, picked up trash, weeded, planted, assisted almost 800 Park users, and documented the Park, giving over 900 hours of service to the Park. Even the kids got in on the action, planting 300 daffodil bulbs over two separate planting days. There are plenty of different ways to volunteer at the Park, check out our volunteer page to learn how you can give back come spring.

The Park’s beautiful lawns are the perfect spot to picnic, read a book, or people-watch while soaking up some rays. But these green rolling fields don’t stay pretty without a little help. It’s taken 1,300 pounds of grass seed to keep things lush.

Washington Square Park is known for its beautiful flowers. It all starts with the daffodils, crocuses, and grape hyacinth heralding the beginning of spring. The gardeners and volunteers planted 29,600 bulbs across the Park, so keep an eye out for them once the season starts to change! Once the spring bulbs wane, be on the lookout for summer perennials—our gardeners lovingly planted 1,700 new varieties to keep the Park blossoming this past year.

Dancing, reading, music, movies, and laughs. Seven fantastic grantees received a total of $7,500 to bring great entertainment to the Park through the Conservancy’s Arts Grants program for the Park.

Thanks to an amazing team effort, Washington Square Park had a fabulous year! If you’d like to join the family of supporters that keeps the Park clean, safe and beautiful you can join our email list, sign up to volunteer, or make a donation. It’s because of people like you that Washington Square Park is thriving.