Thank You Miss Debbie!
SENATOR BRAD HOYLMAN ANNOUNCES “DEBRA HOPKINS DAY” TO HONOR WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK YOUTH ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR
Senator Hoylman honors the exceptional community leadership of Conservancy-funded NYC Parks employee, known to kids and families as Miss Debbie.
New York – New York State’s 27th district is celebrating a new day on July 20th: Debra Hopkins Appreciation Day. Ms. Hopkins, better known to the community as “Miss Debbie” is the NYC Parks Playground Associate/Youth Activities Coordinator for Washington Square Park. Miss Debbie hosts and assists with scheduled programs for children, as well as facilitating play in the Park’s 3 playgrounds, and helping to maintain the children’s spaces including the playground and family restroom. On July 20th, Senator Brad Hoylman presented her with a proclamation in recognition of her exceptional community leadership and service.
Senator Hoylman said, “Ms. Debbie has been instrumental in making sure Washington Square Park a special and welcoming place for children and their families — including mine — since 2018. This proclamation celebrates her three and a half years of hard work in the Greenwich Village community, which is especially important as we resume full park events and programming after the pandemic. I’m thrilled to proclaim July 20 “Debbie Hopkins Appreciation Day” in our Senate District!”
“Children are among the most frequent users of Washington Square Park, and it’s important that they have a fun and enriching experience here. Miss Debbie helps to make that happen,” says Washington Square Park Conservancy Deputy Director, Sheryl Woodruff. “She encourages children to exercise their creativity, find their confidence, and care about their community. The Conservancy is proud of the impact she has made and looks forward to connecting with more children and families as they spend more time in the Park.”
“Debra ‘Miss Debbie’ Hopkins has gone above and beyond to care for Washington Square Park and engage children and families with fun, creative activities,” said NYC Parks Manhattan Borough Commissioner William Castro. “We join Senator Hoylman and our colleagues at the Washington Square Park Conservancy in thanking Debra for her outstanding service to the park and surrounding community.”
On a weekly basis, Miss Debbie hosts a number of planned activities: arts & crafts on Wednesdays; a borrowing library of toys and games on Thursdays; and coming in July, a dance and music class on alternating Fridays and Saturdays. She also assists at additional kids programs such as yoga on Thursdays. For a full schedule of activities visit www.washingtonsqpark.org/events.
Miss Debbie is a NYC Parks employee whose position is funded by the Washington Square Park Conservancy, with support from Council Member Margaret Chin. The Conservancy also purchases all necessary supplies and additional required resources for kids programs in WSP.
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About the Washington Square Park Conservancy
The Washington Square Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization working with NYC Parks and neighborhood groups to ensure that Washington Square Park continues as a diverse and historical urban green space through engaging volunteers and raising funds to help keep the park clean, safe and beautiful. Programs include contributions to NYC Parks staffing, support, and supplies in the areas of landscapes, maintenance, and community. Washington Square Park is property of the City of New York and under the jurisdiction of NYC Parks.