What draws you to Washington Square Park? For some it’s the peacefulness that can be found in the early morning, for others it’s the hubbub of a busy afternoon. For longtime neighbor and Conservancy Donor, Mary, it’s the sense of community. 

“There’s no denying that Washington Square Park is iconic,” Mary says, matter-of-factly. “It has always had a unique character, that feeling of a public square. At any given time you can see people from every possible walk of life going about their lives.”  

Mary’s Grandfather, Stanford White, who designed the iconic Arch

And Mary would know. Not only has she lived in the neighborhood for over two-decades, but she’s long been involved with efforts to maintain the Park and has been a supporter of the Conservancy from the very beginning. With a keen eye for detail (possibly inherited from her grandfather, Stanford White, who designed the Arch), she sees the need for the Conservancy in Washington Square Park. 

“I think the Conservancy plays a key role in the ongoing viability of this wonderful Park,” says Mary. “It has kept the Park in beautiful shape.” She’s also a fan of the increased programming, “which provides new ways for our diverse community of neighbors to come together and to participate in the culture of the Park.” Mary says that, “at the end of the day, Washington Square Park is the beating heart of the community.”

If you’d like to join Mary in supporting your community Park, make a donation to the Washington Square Park Conservancy today. With your help, we can keep the Park clean, safe and beautiful.