Washington Square Park is a paws-itively perfect place for pups to play! For Robyn and her dog 89, the park is a central meeting place to come together with their friends from across New York City. Robyn and 89 love to support third spaces like the park – places that are for everyone and don’t require spending money to enjoy. Let’s hear more from Robyn and 89!

What is your connection to Washington Square Park?

89 and I live in New Jersey now, but maintain meaningful friendships with people (and their dogs!) in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. Because we’ve participated in the extraordinary Dog Halloween parade for so many years, Washington Square Park has become a natural, “central” meeting place for us.

It’s such a pleasure to witness how the park changes with the seasons; we love the cycles of the fountain and artist mediums. One day the fountain is frozen in place, the next someone is getting creative under the arch; throughout is the all-season Dosa Man, Thiru of NY Dosas (go-to order: pondicherry dosa, extra spicy).

What’s your favorite park memory?

Washington Square Park’s annual Dog Halloween parade and contest holds a special place in our calendar and hearts; to my mind, there is no better way to celebrate my love for 89 than to parade her through the streets of New York dressed in something I labored over for months. 

She’s been Yayoi Kusama, Donutella, Eddie Munson from Stranger Things, Weird Barbie, and Pool Party –to name quite a few. Over our years of participation, we’ve made many connections with people and dogs whose costumes are so magnificent. We often joke that we should carry our costume resumes with us to help orient our recognition from event to event. 

Our favorite memory is from last year when 89 and I were dressed as Glinda (her) and Elphaba (me) to celebrate the impending opening of the Wicked movie. We were first in line to register and had a grand time marching in the neighborhood – at one point fittingly alongside a group dressed as characters from The Wizard of Oz. Because the event is so popular, we’d been unable to make our way to our friends during the parade. But right before we were set to ascend the ramp to compete, our besties Mo (human) & Olive Monster Jones (bestie Westie) popped up at the edge of the stage to cheer us on to an honorable mention victory!

Why should folks support the Washington Square Park Conservancy?

As a society, we should be embracing and supporting third places – particularly those, such as parks and libraries, that do not require an expenditure of money for participation and enjoyment. 

I want to foster a world where I don’t need to make a purchase in order to amuse myself or enjoy time spent with friends. Supporting the Conservancy allows me the opportunity to help maintain this type of community space for myself and others.

Washington Square Park is a vibrant place enjoyed by pups and people alike! And the Washington Square Park Conservancy is dedicated to keeping the park thriving.

We provide essential supplies for the park’s two beloved dog runs, coordinate volunteer efforts, plan and host Dog Halloween each October, and perform critical maintenance like tilling and deodorizing the gravel in the runs twice annually. And we are committed to ensuring the park is clean and safe for all who love and use it, year-round.

None of this work is possible without donor support from park lovers like you.

Will you make a gift today to ensure the park remains a beloved place for all visitors, including four-legged friends like 89?

These responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.