Must See Destinations in New York City - Washington Square Park

Opened to public in the year 1871, Washington Square Park is among the best-known landmarks in New York City. Located at the foot of Fifth Avenue, in close proximity to East Village Apartments, the park is spread over an area of 9.75 acres (39,500 m2) and is very popular with the masses even till date.

In 1826 the land west of the Minetta was purchased, the square was laid out and levelled, and this property was turned into the Washington Military Parade Ground. Military parade grounds were public spaces specified by the City where volunteer militia companies responsible for the nation's defence received their training.

The streets surrounding the square became one of the city's best known residential areas in the early nineteenth century. This includes the now-well-protected Greek Revival style houses on the north side of the park.

The park that has now come up as a cultural hotspot in NY has a rich history behind it. For many years around World War II, the park has been frequented with various American artists, writers, and activists. The park was a very popular joint among the Folk and Hippie movements in 1950s and 1960s. The outdoor chess tables on the southwest corner of the park have been popular with gaming enthusiasts since almost a century and have even led to a proliferation of Chess Shops around the park.

As recently as December 2007, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation performed a major renovation of the mark making various significant changes to the park layout. The project cost was as high as US$16 million.

So while you enjoy your comfortable stay at East Village Apartments, I would suggest not to miss a visit to the ever-so-popular Washington Square Park.