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
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
