Coronavirus and NYC Parks

NYC Parks Department logo Washington Square Park IS open and remains, as always, managed and operated by the New York City Parks Department*. Remember to ‘socially distance’ from people in the park – try to maintain six feet between you and others. This helps us all look out for each other and prevent further spread of this serious virus.

Here is a note from the NYC Parks Department:

Important Parks Department Service Changes Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 disease, known as the coronavirus, a pandemic. During this time, we ask that all park goers use additional precautions to protect their health and safety and that of those around them.

At this time, City parks and playgrounds are open. We ask that all park goers take extra precautions to stay healthy and safe. The NYC Health Department recommends that healthy or sick, all New Yorkers need to stay home as much as possible.

Our park restrooms are open. We are cleaning our restrooms daily with appropriate cleaning products to ensure that they are being fully disinfected.

Service Changes and Cancellations

Many events being held in parks by outside groups are being canceled or rescheduled. Before attending, please check with the organizing group to confirm.

Facility Closures

  • All NYC Parks Recreation Centers are closed to the public until further notice.
  • All City nature centers are closed until further notice.
  • The Swedish Cottage is closed through March 29.
  • As a precaution to help limit the spread of COVID-19, the High Line  is not open.
  • The Arsenal Gallery is closed through April 12.
  • The City’s historic houses  are closed.
  • At this time, many concessions are closed, including ice skating rinks, amusement parks and carousels, indoor tennis facilities, souvenir shops, and more.
    • Some concessions, such as golf courses, gas stations, farmers markets, snack bars/restaurants that provide take out or delivery, and some food carts will remain open and practice social distancing.
    • For the health and safety of the horses, stables will remain operational, but closed to the general public.

Programming Cancellations

In response to the State and City’s directive, NYC Parks has cancelled all events with 50 or more expected attendees through April 12, 2020.

  • All Shape Up NYC programs are cancelled until further notice. Please follow Shape Up NYC  on Facebook for news on upcoming free online fitness opportunities.
  • Indoor Urban Park Ranger programs are cancelled.
  • All tournaments and sports practices are cancelled.
  • All special events held in recreation centers have been cancelled.
  • NYC Parks Stewardship events have been postponed until further notice.

Programming Service Changes

  • Outdoor Urban Park Ranger programs will be required to observe social distancing protocol.
  • GreenThumb community gardens can remain open or closed at the discretion of each garden group until further notice. NYC Parks and GreenThumb expect that most gardens will remain closed in the short term.
  • Tennis permits will not be available for in-person purchase on Saturdays at the Arsenal or in Brooklyn.

Note: The above information appears at this NYC Parks Department page.

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WSP Blog Ed. note: Washington Square Park, as always, remains run and managed by the New York City Parks Department – despite a local private organization sending out a mass e-mail stating they have authority or input as to whether this public space closes – troubling. More on this to come.

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