Union Square, NY
Information
Three-square-block urban park that hosts a year-round, open-air farmers market four times a week.
Location: New York, NY
Members: 10
Latest Activity: Sep 25
Key Findings -- why it works or doesn't
Union Square’s greenmarket is one of the most famous, long-running, and successful in the country. The wide range of crafts, baked goods, and produce from local farms changes over the course of the year, and draws an average of 250,000 visitors per week. In addition, the park’s plentiful seating and tables encourage people to sit and eat food from the market or adjacent restaurants. Other spaces a wide variety of activities (like a dog run, playgrounds, and chess tables), and the square has historically been a center of social and political activism. Land use around the square was originally residential but by the 1900’s had become mostly commercial. Today, its wide range of surrounding establishments – from high-end restaurants to big-box chain stores – keeps its crowds diverse. Many stay open late or all hours, so the park is never deserted.
Access and Linkages
The name was bestowed in the 19th century as a nod to the major roads (specifically Broadway and 4th Avenue) and trolley lines that intersected in this spot. 8 of the city's subway lines stop here and it is bordered by Flatiron, Chelsea, Greenwich village and Grammercy on the North, West, South and East respectively.
Comfort and Image
The well-maintained park boasts plenty of benches, tables (both regular and for chess), a dog run, fountains and statues (most famously an equestrian George Washington), and copious shade along the paths radiating out from its center. The northern end of the park used to have two somewhat run-down playgrounds, but that section of the park is currently being renovated.
Uses and Activities
Perhaps Union Square's most famous use is its year-round greenmarket, which attracts 250,000 customers a week. After the market is closed down, skateboarders practice and people play chess at specially designed tables. It's also a popular place for political demonstrations, street artists, and people watching. The park is never deserted, as many surrounding restaurants and stores are open late, or even 24 hours.
Sociability
Union square is well-known as a meeting place, due to its central location and its many landmarks. It attracts a wide range of visitors, in part because its restaurants and stores run the gamut in price, including some of the city's most famous restaurants as well as a handful of big-box chain stores.
Union Square’s greenmarket is one of the most famous, long-running, and successful in the country. The wide range of crafts, baked goods, and produce from local farms changes over the course of the year, and draws an average of 250,000 visitors per week. In addition, the park’s plentiful seating and tables encourage people to sit and eat food from the market or adjacent restaurants. Other spaces a wide variety of activities (like a dog run, playgrounds, and chess tables), and the square has historically been a center of social and political activism. Land use around the square was originally residential but by the 1900’s had become mostly commercial. Today, its wide range of surrounding establishments – from high-end restaurants to big-box chain stores – keeps its crowds diverse. Many stay open late or all hours, so the park is never deserted.
Access and Linkages
The name was bestowed in the 19th century as a nod to the major roads (specifically Broadway and 4th Avenue) and trolley lines that intersected in this spot. 8 of the city's subway lines stop here and it is bordered by Flatiron, Chelsea, Greenwich village and Grammercy on the North, West, South and East respectively.
Comfort and Image
The well-maintained park boasts plenty of benches, tables (both regular and for chess), a dog run, fountains and statues (most famously an equestrian George Washington), and copious shade along the paths radiating out from its center. The northern end of the park used to have two somewhat run-down playgrounds, but that section of the park is currently being renovated.
Uses and Activities
Perhaps Union Square's most famous use is its year-round greenmarket, which attracts 250,000 customers a week. After the market is closed down, skateboarders practice and people play chess at specially designed tables. It's also a popular place for political demonstrations, street artists, and people watching. The park is never deserted, as many surrounding restaurants and stores are open late, or even 24 hours.
Sociability
Union square is well-known as a meeting place, due to its central location and its many landmarks. It attracts a wide range of visitors, in part because its restaurants and stores run the gamut in price, including some of the city's most famous restaurants as well as a handful of big-box chain stores.
Discussion Forum
Union Square and Activism 2 Replies
Started by Dory Kornfeld. Last reply by Aurash Khawarzad Mar 27.
Favorite part of the market? 2 Replies
Started by Jane Doe. Last reply by Jane Doe Dec. 19, 2008.
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