Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park
Washington Square Arch seen from the park's southern end
Type	Municipal public park
Location	Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
Coordinates	40°43′51″N 73°59′51″W / 40.73083°N 73.99750°W / 40.73083; -73.99750
Area	9.75 acres (4 ha)
Created	1871
Operated by	New York City Department of Parks and Recreation
Status	Open
Public transit access	Subway: ​​​​​​ to West Fourth Street–Washington Square, ​​ to Eighth Street–New York University Bus: M1, M2, M3, M8, M55

Washington Square Park is a 9.75-acre (3.95 ha) public park in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Lower Manhattan, New York City. It is an icon as well as a meeting place and center for cultural activity.^[1] The park is operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks).

The park is an open space, dominated by the Washington Square Arch at the northern gateway to the park, with a tradition of celebrating nonconformity. The park's fountain area has long been one of the city's popular spots, and many of the local buildings have at one time served as homes and studios for artists. Many buildings have been built by New York University, while others have been converted from their former uses into academic and residential buildings.