PARK FACT:
Philanthropist Daniel Willis James donated the James Fountain to the park in the 1880s with the intention of teaching New Yorkers about kindness and charity. Originally, tin cups were chained to the fountain to allow passerby to quench their thirst.
Union Square Park
News 
March 20, 2009
Spring Is Awakening in New York City's Parks
On the first day of spring, Parks & Recreation reminds New Yorkers to take advantage of...
July 31, 2008
Summer Art in the Parks: A Round-Up (Part II)
Here are a few more public art installations on display in NYC parks.
April 10, 2008
Dog Fountain Unveiled In Union Square Park
Parks, the Union Square Partnership and the ASPCA today unveiled a brand new fountain at the dog...
February 11, 2008
Pro Snowboarders Hit The Rails
On February 7, Parks & Recreation, the New York City Sports Commission and Aura360 hosted...
February 8, 2008
Pro Snowboarders Hit The Rails At The Union Square Street Sessions
Today, Parks & Recreation, the New York City Sports Commission and Aura360 hosted New York...
May 9, 2007
How Lincoln Was Put Back On A Pedestal
As the old saying goes, “the darkest hour is just before the dawn.” In the wee hours...
April 3, 2007
Recycle Your Trash!
Garbage cans are aplenty in our public parks and now, under a 3-month pilot program by the...
March 6, 2007
The Hare In Union Square
Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the exhibition of Barry Flanagan’s Large...
February 22, 2007
The Hare In Union Square
Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the exhibition of Barry Flanagan’s Large...
February 21, 2007
“Are You Whistle Worthy?” Parks & Recreation And NYC & Company Launch Summer Lifeguard Recruitment Campaign
The City’s Marketing and Tourism Organization Joins Parks in Giving Program New Look,...
Under Construction
The 16th Street plaza and pavilion are closed. We are reconstructing the north end of the park. A large, state of the art playground will be built, triple the size of the previous play areas. The pavilion is being restored for use as a seasonal concession and a space for community activities. A new comfort station at the east side of the pavilion will serve patrons from the plaza, and will have a restroom accessible to the playground as well. A screened maintenance compound will be located between the comfort station and pavilion for use servicing the busy park. The renovated park should serve the needs of the myriad users of Union Square Park for years to come. This project is a public/private effort between Parks and the Union Square Partnership.
Anticipated Completion: Fall 2009
