Washington Square park sits in the center of one of the most noted and respected artist communities, that of Greenwich Village in New York. The history of this square bit of land is extensive, and the beauty of it as it is today only reinforces that history creates character. During the late 18th century it was not a park at all, but the plot of land set aside for a burial ground, just far enough out the city limits to bury those that fell to yellow fever. The park, however not a park yet– was built during the 1820′s, and was constructed for the purpose of a popper’s grave site and the location of public executions, hangings to be exact. And rumor continue to this day, concerning one tree. Urban legends state that the tree is located by the arch while other legends state that is on the opposite end of the park. Allegedly, there are still twenty thousands bodies beneath the soil, under the playgrounds and dog parks and benches. Perhaps in a strange way, that is one reason for the peaceful, yet alive feeling one gets while hanging out, watching and listening to the street performers or taking in the work that the local artists set up to sell on the sidewalk.
During the sixties, popular artists such as Bob Dylan and Jack Kerouac furthered the mystery. Writing songs and poetry about the park, and living in the Village enhanced the mystique and lives on in the culture and the arts of today… creating and producing any artwork in that location at that time is a mystery and romantic notion in and of itself, but the culture of the Beatnik generation established the park during the times, and continues to influence communities today. Countries, such as Singapore, look to these communities and times, trying to assess just why the artistic spirit took off the way it did, and how ‘can we do it again?’ The restaurants of New York, the clubs, and well–the sidewalks, they all were affected by and prospered due to the creative moment and movement of the time. During the 80′s, drug dealers moved in and threatened the people living around the park as well as those visiting. Devices and involvement set in motion by Rudy Giuliani have, over time, given back life to the park, the artistic and creative spirit that has over the years, drawn so many to this small block of Manhattan.
Because of its proximity to New York University, a residential neighborhood, and the stores and clubs of the Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is a major center of community activity, used by so many different groups use that it has become a microcosm of New York City. In some ways the park’s biggest asset – its popularity – is also its detriment, due to the incredible demand that the heavy use puts on its physical infrastructure. The park’s design encourages activity, with paths laid out so that people cut through it, and facilities to attract people of all ages, including playgrounds, chess area, and a dog run. The central fountain and triumphal arch serve as focal points that create a space for people to gather, see and be seen.
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