Summary
Everything You Need to Know About Greenwich Village’s Famed Green Space
Address
Washington Square, New York, NY 10012, USA
Greenwich Village’s iconic green space, Washington Square Park, has functioned as an active outdoor gathering area for generations of this artistic and academically vibrant community. A lively meeting point for book-reading New York University students, children enjoying playgrounds, pet dogs, impromptu musicians, competitive chess players, and curious visitors alike, the park’s allure is undeniable. With its distinctive grand arch and charming central fountain, Washington Square Park has long been a congregation point for countercultural movements, boasting a rich cultural and political narrative that continues to secure its status as one of New York City’s most cherished urban spaces. Renowned for its diversity and encouragement of individuality, visitors are warmly invited to contribute their unique experiences and indulge in some of the finest people-watching in the city.
Location
The 9.75-acre Washington Square Park is situated at the southern end of Fifth Avenue, centrally located within New York University’s campus. The park is bordered by Washington Square North (Waverly Place), Washington Square South (West 4th Street), Washington Square West (MacDougal Street), and Washington Square East (University Place).
History
Named in honor of the first U.S. president, George Washington, Washington Square Park features over two centuries of colorful history, much of which is characterized by a spirit of defiance. Originally marshland utilized by Indigenous tribes and later serving as agricultural land allocated to freed African-American individuals, one of the more somber aspects of the park’s past includes its late 18th-century use as a site for public executions and as a potter’s field—a burial ground for the city’s impoverished, unidentified, and epidemic victims (including those succumbing to yellow fever); it is estimated that around 20,000 bodies remain interred beneath Washington Square Park today. By 1826, the land had evolved into a military parade ground before it was formally designated as a public park in 1827, providing a necessary escape from the congestion of early Manhattan, which was encircled by upscale residential buildings and the developing New York University.
Subsequent years witnessed Washington Square Park serve as a stage for significant historical events: In 1838, Samuel F.B. Morse conducted the first public demonstration of the telegraph; labor unions convened here after the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 claimed 146 lives; and the Beat generation, folk music enthusiasts, and counter-culture activists from the 1940s through the 1960s—many of whom were part of the Greenwich Village neighborhood—utilized the park as a central venue for gatherings, performances, and protests. The park has witnessed performances from iconic figures such as Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, along with poetry readings by Allen Ginsberg. An enduring site for activism and political expression, Barack Obama memorably hosted a major rally here while securing his Democratic presidential nomination in 2007.
Things to Do
The park’s iconic features include its impressive marbled arch and central fountain. The Washington Square Arch, located at the northern entrance of the park, was constructed in 1889 as a centennial tribute to George Washington’s presidential inauguration (the original wooden arch predated the existing structure, which was completed in 1892). Designed in the style of Roman triumphal arches, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and crafted by architect Stanford White, this elegant arch rises over 70 feet and is embellished with statues of Washington, laurel wreaths, and grand eagles.
This arch overlooks the 50-foot-wide circular fountain, which serves as a focal point for visitors and a popular meeting area. The sunken, tiered fountain invites wading and splashing (during warmer months) and is surrounded by shade trees—its circular plaza often serves as an impromptu performance venue.
Other notable park monuments include a bust of steel engineer Alexander Lyman Holley (1889), a statue of Italian patriot and unifier Giuseppe Garibaldi (1888), and a World War I memorial flagpole (1920). A noteworthy natural attraction is the so-called Hangman’s Elm, an English elm located at the park’s northwest corner, believed to be over 300 years old and reputedly the oldest tree in Manhattan, steeped in dark folklore as a former site for hangings.
Additional enticing park features include children’s play areas (one equipped with a splash zone), two designated dog runs (one for large dogs and the other for small), a performance stage, petanque courts, and a chess plaza—all interwoven with manicured lawns, gardens, walking paths, vintage-style lighting, and seating. Washington Square Park also provides public Wi-Fi and restroom facilities.
Events
On any given day, Washington Square Park transforms into an informal stage as buskers and performers showcase their talents—this tradition has thrived for generations among artists, musicians, and poets. The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, in conjunction with the Washington Square Park Conservancy, organizes occasional programming, including free tours, volunteer opportunities, and special events such as film screenings and live performances. (For details on planned activities, consult the calendars from the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation or the Washington Square Park Conservancy.) Several enjoyable annual events solidly deserve a spot on your calendar, including the biannual Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit (held every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend); the Children’s Halloween Parade and Dog Costume Party; and a massive, all-ages pillow fight that occurs each spring.
Where to Eat
The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation recognizes two official street vendor carts within the park: the NY Dosas specialty cart offering highly regarded Indian vegan cuisine (located near the park’s south side at Sullivan Street), and the Otto Enoteca Pizzeria Gelato Cart—an offshoot of Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich’s Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, serving artisanal gelato and sorbetto (at the park’s northwest entrance). The streets surrounding the park are dotted with various affordable dining options ideal for a park picnic—consider visiting Mamoun’s for falafel (119 MacDougal St.), Joe’s Pizza for takeout slices (7 Carmine St.), or Red Bamboo for vegetarian Thai options (140 W. 4th St.).
