NYPD vans – a huge number – lined Washington Square North on both sides of the street on Saturday. A police officer told me that they are there due to the “large number of demonstrations that have been taking place on weekends” at the park. I asked if the demonstrations had been “peaceful” and the officer replied yes. Seems like a total overreaction and overuse of police in this location for this purpose. Clearly there to send a message.
Then you enter the park and see this:
![Carolers](http://www.washingtonsquareparkblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/carolers-washington-square-arch-saturday-snow-4.jpg)
On Friday evening, there was a candlelight vigil for the people of Aleppo, Syria. Signs and candles remained by the fountain.
![Pigeons and fans](http://www.washingtonsquareparkblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/pigeons-and-fans-washington-square-park-17.jpg)
The birds and squirrels of the park are very hungry with limited food (bring nuts if you visit and/or bird seed!). A cold, lonely pigeon sitting in park alcove along Washington Square North:
![Southeast view](http://www.washingtonsquareparkblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/washington-square-park-looking-southeast-path-30.jpg)
![NW Entrance](http://www.washingtonsquareparkblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/washington-square-park-northwest-entrance-snow-greenwich-village-18.jpg)
Photos: Cathryn