Summer Fun at Washington Square Park
By Grace Harman
The Washington Square Park Conservancy organizes and hosts a variety of FREE arts and movement programs for adults and children around Washington Square Park. We’re one month into our programming season, which means we’ve hosted over 200 hours of yoga classes, salsa socials, pétanque games, art workshops, and more! We’re so excited to keep the fun going this summer. If you want to join us in the park you can find the full slate of free, public programs on our website (washingtonsqpark.org/events).
In June alone the Conservancy hosted 54 FREE programs, and that’s not even counting events put on by our Community Arts Grantees. There’s so much more to come throughout the summer. It takes months of planning, organizing, scheduling, and permitting to take a public program from an exciting idea to a real-life event in the park. And all the work of bringing public programs in Washington Square Park from conception to reality is led by WSPC Programs Director Kaitlyn Yates, and supported by our programs staff. But how do they get it done? Read on for an inside peek.
Behind the Scenes:
How to Program the Park in Eight Not-So-Easy Steps
1. Start early. Like, really early. By late August, Kaitlyn is already making decisions about next year’s program season. Why? The Conservancy secures NYC Parks permits for all our events and the system opens for bookings in September. These programs reflect NYC Parks and Conservancy’s commitment to bringing diverse and engaging activities to Washington Square Park.
2. Reflect on what worked (and what didn’t). All season long we’re gathering feedback, including partner surveys, attendance records, and in-person observations. We try to get as much input as we can – Washington Square Park welcomes everyone from infants to seniors, and our programming should too.
3. Plan, plan, plan. While the programs officially run from May to October, the work doesn’t stop in the “off” season. Throughout the winter months, Kaitlyn stays in touch with returning program partners and does all of the planning and admin work required to support everything from fitness to art classes.
4. Find people to make the magic. Identifying the right programs for a place like Washington Square Park is often more art than science. Kaitlyn scours the NYC community for potential partners, looking everywhere from local institutions to the park’s Instagram. For the last two years she’s also put out an open call for artists to lead free workshops in the northwest corner.
5. Walk the walk. Programming a space like Washington Square Park isn’t easy, and we’re here to help partners scout the site, talk through logistics, and imagine how their class will activate the space. It takes someone who knows the park inside and out to identify potential challenges, and we’re happy to serve as that guide.
6. Do the (paper) work. Website updates, calendar listings, NYC Parks permits, NYPD sound permits, social media posts, printed flyers and weekly emails…oh my. The admin work piles up fast, and it might not be glamorous, but it is essential. We handle the admin so our partners can focus on bringing their best to the park.
7. Pack your bags. Every program calls for different supplies and equipment, and Conservancy staff is ready to haul whatever they need along the pathways and across the lawns to turn a plaza or alcove into an open-air studio, stage, or performance-floor.
8. Show up! Program partners are subject matter experts, not park guides! Conservancy staff are always on-site during programs to answer questions, welcome new faces, and coordinate with NYC Parks staff to make sure things are running smoothly. That kind of care doesn’t come from a permit. It comes from a team that truly loves this place and wants to see it thrive.
The Washington Square Park Conservancy’s public programs reach more than 10,000 people per year. Come be one of them!
None of the free arts and movement programming in Washington Square Park would be possible without our generous donors. Make a gift today to support the ongoing activities you love to see at washingtonsqpark.org/donate.
