Parks Department proposes performance stage and seating areas in Washington Square Park. On March 17, 2009, Landmarks heard testimony on the Parks Department’s proposed modifications to the master plan governing the renovation of Washington Square Park.

The modifications, both on the eastern side of the park, allow for the construction of a permanent performance stage and the retention and alteration of two seating alcoves. The performance stage would be built next to the park’s Garibaldi Plaza, and would have a 20-ft. radius and a 700-sq.ft. performance area. The park currently has seven alcoves, which were built as part of the park’s last renovation in 1970, but all were slated for elimination in the 2005 master plan. One of the alcoves, near the park’s playground, would be essentially retained, and the other would be modified and reduced in size. (more…)