NYU Doubles Down in Support for Washington Square Park

Press release originally released by New York University here.

New York University announced today that it is doubling its financial support for Washington Square Park by pledging $6 million over four years to the Washington Square Park Conservancy, the nonprofit stewards of the landmark greenspace that is one of New York City's most iconic public spaces.

For more than 20 years, NYU has contributed to the renovation, maintenance, and operations of the park adjacent to its campus, where New Yorkers of every kind—students, faculty and their families, staff, visitors, and members of the broader community—gather in one of the city’s most dynamic civic spaces. Since 2012, the Washington Square Park Conservancy has served both the Greenwich Village and downtown communities and became the official nonprofit partner of the NYC Parks in 2025, helping to preserve the park’s legacy as a vibrant greenspace in Lower Manhattan. NYU is able to increase its contribution to the Conservancy thanks, in part, to philanthropic support.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce the substantial increase of our annual gift to the Conservancy that oversees Washington Square Park, which is so central to the life of NYU’s community,” said NYU President Linda G. Mills. “Washington Square Park is a public space where our employees and students gather and connect, and where our faculty members and their families play and build community. Everyone here in the Village and who comes here to visit deserves a vibrant, thriving, and safe Washington Square Park, and we are proud to be the Conservancy’s partners in this work. We would like to thank our friends at the Conservancy, the Parks Department, and our elected officials for their ongoing advocacy of this historic and treasured New York landmark.”

"Washington Square Park is a local landmark beloved by New Yorkers, frequented by visitors, and enjoyed by the NYU students and school community as a place for gathering," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. "As stewards, the Washington Square Park Conservancy ensures this public space remains green, growing, and welcoming to all. I am grateful that NYU, the Conservancy, and our Parks Department are deepening their partnership on behalf of all who cherish this park and the moments of peace and community it offers every day.”

“Washington Square Park is one of New York City’s great public squares. It is a place where students, families, artists, neighbors and visitors from around the world come together every day,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Caring for a park this beloved takes real partnership, and we are grateful to NYU for its continued commitment, and to the Washington Square Park Conservancy for its outstanding stewardship. Together, we’re making sure this park stays welcoming, safe and vibrant for every New Yorker who walks through the Arch.”

“It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted with this significant increase in support from one of Washington Square Park’s longest and strongest supporters, New York University,” said Will Morrison, Executive Director of the Washington Square Park Conservancy and NYC Parks Administrator for Washington Square Park. “I could not be more excited to bring in these additional resources to better the park, across both sides of my dual role position. The responsibility evident in a gift of this size to the Washington Square Park Conservancy reflects the organization’s growth as the official NYC Parks partner in steadfast stewardship of the park. It is a testament to the incredible commitment from the Conservancy’s community, including board members, volunteers, and staff. We are thankful to work with our wonderful partners at NYC Parks, local elected officials, community stakeholders, and with the broader Greenwich Village neighborhood toward the care of this iconic green space in the heart of New York City.

“The Board of Directors is immensely grateful for NYU’s continued commitment to the Conservancy’s work,” said Quinton Farrar, Chairman of the Washington Square Park Conservancy’s Board of Directors. “Our mission is to work alongside NYC Parks to enhance and preserve a vibrant community green space in the heart of New York City for all who are drawn to its iconic grounds, from neighbors to visitors to members of the NYU community. This increase in support from NYU will ensure the park continues to thrive for years to come.”

“NYU has long maintained a mutually beneficial partnership with Washington Square Park and New York City, and I am pleased it has taken the initiative to further improve its urban campus with this commitment,” said City Comptroller Mark Levine. “New Yorkers are served best when they can rely on public spaces to anchor their neighborhoods and foster community. With this new funding, one storied Greenwich Village institution has provided material recognition of those shared values to another.”

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said: “I’m elated that NYU is stepping up and doubling its commitment to Washington Square Park by pledging $6 million to the Washington Square Park Conservancy. As the primary institutional user of Washington Square Park, it’s laudable that the current university administration recognizes its special responsibility to help ensure the continued success of the Washington Square Park Conservancy for the maintenance, operations and safety of the park in conjunction with the NYC Parks Department, elected officials and local stakeholders, including Community Board 2. I’m extremely grateful to NYU President Linda Mills and NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura for helping forge this strengthened partnership for one of the city’s most historic green spaces for artistic, cultural and recreational life in Manhattan.”

“Washington Square Park is one of New York City’s most iconic and beloved public spaces, and it belongs to everyone. It’s where New Yorkers from all walks of life come together to relax, connect, create, and enjoy everything that makes Greenwich Village so special. Keeping this park clean, safe, welcoming, and vibrant requires a shared commitment, and NYU is stepping up in a big way. This $6 million investment will make a real difference in the day-to-day experience of everyone who uses the park. I applaud NYU President Linda Mills and the Washington Square Park Conservancy for their continued partnership and commitment to ensuring Washington Square Park remains a place that everyone can enjoy for generations to come,” said State Senator Erik Bottcher.

“Washington Square Park is one of New York’s great public spaces, and it takes real investment to keep it clean, safe, and full of life. NYU’s expanded commitment to the Conservancy is a meaningful step, and I’m grateful to President Linda Mills for this partnership. I look forward to working together to ensure this park is well cared for in the decades to come,” said Assemblymember Micah Lasher.

“Washington Square Park is at the heart of our community, and keeping it safe, clean, and welcoming takes sustained investment,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee. “I’m grateful to NYU for doubling its support with this $6 million commitment and to the Washington Square Park Conservancy for caring for a public space that means so much to Lower Manhattan.”

“Washington Square Park is an essential part of our community for students, residents, and tourists alike. I’m proud to support NYU’s increased investment in making sure this space is clean, safe, and accessible for all who use it. I’m grateful to NYU for making a commitment to making Washington Square Park a greener and well-preserved space,” said Council Member Harvey Epstein.

Council Member Carl Wilson said: “Washington Square Park is one of our city’s most iconic public spaces - not just for tourists, but for the students, artists, and neighbors who make it a part of their everyday lives. As an NYU alumnus, I’m thrilled to celebrate the University’s decision to increase its investment in the park. This commitment will help keep Washington Square Park clean, safe, welcoming, and vibrant for generations to come. Strong partnerships between our universities, community organizations, and city agencies are essential to preserving the public spaces that make Greenwich Village and our city so special.”

Valerie De La Rosa, Chair, Manhattan Community Board 2 said: “Washington Square Park is a vital, public gathering space where openness, cultural vibrancy, and distinctive character are central to the identity of Greenwich Village. NYU’s increased commitment represents an opportunity to strengthen the maintenance and public programming that help make the park welcoming to everyone. Manhattan Community Board 2 remains committed to preserving the park’s historic character, advocating for public safety and inclusivity, and supporting meaningful community participation in its stewardship.”

Brian Maloney, Co-Chair, Village Interagency Task Force said: “A thriving Washington Square Park does not happen by accident. It takes sustained commitment, collaboration, and accountability. The progress we have seen in recent years reflects the hard work of our Elected Officials, NYU, the Village Interagency Task Force, the NYPD, the Parks Department, the District Attorney’s Office, and our city agency partners, all working to address serious public safety and quality-of-life challenges. NYU’s generous contribution sends an important message: Washington Square Park matters, and its long-term care is a shared responsibility. We appreciate NYU’s continued investment in this extraordinary public space and in the Greenwich Village community that surrounds it.”

Christine Economos, President, 6th Precinct Community Council said: “We are truly grateful to New York University for its generous gift to Washington Square Park. NYU is a valued member of our community, not only as a neighbor, but as a partner, one that consistently supports local organizations and initiatives that benefit our residents and helps keep Greenwich Village safe and welcoming. We are fortunate to have NYU as part of our community.”

"Washington Square Park is a special place for my family. My two children have played in all the park’s playgrounds from the time they were toddlers, and I remember celebrating each time one of them completed the ropes, as we call the area near the southwest corner. We benefit tremendously from the greenery and the entertainment that the park provides. It is an amazing gathering spot for people in the neighborhood,” said Katrina Wyman, Wilf Family Professor of Property Law at NYU School of Law.

"Washington Square Park is one of the most iconic public spaces that has served both as a cultural epicenter and a symbol of civic expression in New York City. As both a member of the NYU Community and a parent whose family has called this neighborhood home for over a decade, the park holds a special place in my heart. It is where my son took his first steps, where my students gather after class and where I held office hours during COVID. To me, the park is more than a village icon. It is our backyard, our community," said Rohini Pahwa, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Silver School of Social Work.

“As a faculty member for the past 14 years, the park has been a public sanctuary and a space of joy and reflection. It is where my kids saw their very first snow and marched their first protest, played with the most magical bubbles alongside our city’s pigeons, and learned how the shifting light and blooming flowers reflect the changing seasons. The park has also been my extended classroom, where I have gathered with my graduate students to connect with decades of social movements, and invited applied psychology majors to study its ecology as a living demonstration of how settings shape human emotion and behavior,” said Shabnam Javdani, PhD Associate Professor of Applied Psychology Faculty and Director NYU Prison Education Program.

In recent years, the University and the Conservancy have worked closer together on a number of initiatives and public programming. The Conservancy are the stewards of the University’s annual gift to the park, with a focus on safety and quality-of-life, increased public events for the community, as well as the ongoing maintenance of the park. Last year, NYU helped expand the Conservancy’s Park Open Studio program. This residency program brings in local, working artists to teach free art workshops to the public on everything from drawing, printmaking, collage, and watercolors, three days a week in the park’s northwest corner, Scrabble Plaza. NYU also funds additional volunteer days for University’s community members to help keep the park clean.

The University also works closely with NYC Parks to coordinate film shoots for students at the NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Each fall there is an annual movie night for NYU’s alumni community, and the Conservancy is a sponsor of NYU and Community Board 2’s annual Children’s Halloween Parade, which it has been hosting for more than three decades.

In March 2025, NYU was one of the founding members of the Village Interagency Task Force (VITF), composed of city agencies, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, social service nonprofits, elected officials, and local stakeholders. The VITF was created due to advocacy by the 6th Precinct Community Council and in response to ongoing quality-of-life concerns raised by the broader community, including by NYU faculty, staff and students. This additional investment by NYU will build on the VITF’s important work.

About NYU:

Founded in 1831, NYU is one of the world’s foremost research universities and is a member of the selective Association of American Universities. NYU has degree-granting university campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai and has 13 other global academic sites, including London, Paris, Florence, Tel Aviv, Buenos Aires, and Accra, and US sites in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, CA, and Tulsa, OK. Through its numerous schools and colleges, NYU is a leader in conducting research and providing education in the arts and sciences, law, medicine, business, dentistry, engineering, education, nursing, the cinematic and performing arts, music and studio arts, public service, engineering, social work, public health, and professional studies, among other areas.

About the Washington Square Park Conservancy:

The Washington Square Park Conservancy, in partnership with NYC Parks, enhances and preserves a vibrant community green space in the heart of New York City for all who are drawn to its iconic grounds.

We envision a thriving, well-cared for park that reflects its enduring history while serving as a modern cultural crossroads and gathering space for a diverse community.

The Washington Square Park Conservancy was founded by local community members in 2012 to fill a critical need in the ongoing operational support of its namesake park that hosts more than 12 million annual visitors within 9.75 acres of lawns, gardens, and public grounds.