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120 Years of Care For Washington Square

With service rooted in community, the Washington Square Association’s mission is to maintain and improve the character and culture of Washington Square Park and the surrounding neighborhood.

 
 
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Independence • Tradition • Support • Culture

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About The Washington
Square Association

As NYC’s oldest neighborhood and civic organization, The Washington Square Association has spent over a century dedicated to preserving the iconic character of Washington Square Park and our community. We remain an entirely volunteer-run organization.

We produce free programs including the Washington Square Christmas Tree lighting and caroling (with a Christmas Eve encore) and the Washington Square Chess Exhibition, and support cultural events like the Washington Square Music Festival and The Village Trip. We also actively advocate for public safety, quality of life, and the protection of public space, working with city agencies, elected officials, and community stakeholders to ensure the Park remains true to its civic purpose.

With no salaries or overhead, 100% of every donation and $50 annual membership goes directly to this work. Join us in keeping Washington Square vibrant and welcoming for all who gather here, now and for generations to come. Become a Member!

120

Years in service of the Washington Square community

 

123,000

Attendees to over 60 years of Washington Square Music Festival concerts

2nd

Longest running tree lighting in New York City, and ours is specifically for our neighborhood community

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Independence • Tradition • Support • Culture


Events and Announcements

Events
 
WSA Blog
331 Neighbors Weighed In on the Gates Debate. Here’s What They Told Us.

Hear what 331 respondents had to say about gates at Washington Square Park, including where supporters, opponents, and undecided neighbors agree and differ. The post highlights the concerns and priorities bringing the community into the conversation.

Spring into Summer in Washington Square Park: A Season of Play and Performance

The Washington Square Association's 5th annual Chess Exhibition returned to the park's tables with three-time U.S. Champion Grandmaster Joel Benjamin, and the 68th Washington Square Music Festival brought four free Tuesday evenings to Garibaldi Plaza — Baroque, Cuban jazz, Afro-Caribbean fusion, and Berlioz under the stars.


Photos From WSA Events