Car Rental New York and Washington Square Park

If someone were to ask you which New York City Park was the most popular, which would you say? If you automatically though Central Park, you're WRONG! The Big Apple's most popular daytime park is actually Washington Square Park! Thanks to its proximity to New York University, residential neighborhoods and numerous shop districts, Washington Square Park has quickly overshadowed Central Park as NYC's must-visit green space. Designed with physical activity in mind, Greenwich Village's most popular park currently features playgrounds, dog runs and chess areas, not to mention miles of paved footpaths. Washington Square Park is also well known for the central fountain and triumphal arch that serve as its focal point. An exciting afternoon of fresh air and physical fun is waiting for you inside Washington Square Park, so why wait? Remember to stop by during your upcoming car rental New York City vacation!

The Ups and Downs of New York City's Favorite Park

Washington Square Park had to go through a series of redesigns and additions before achieving its current state. Prior uses for the land included a cemetery for yellow fever victims, a parade ground, and a site for public hangings during the 18th century. It wasn't until the later point of the 19th century that the area became a fashionable residential area, providing affluent New Yorkers with charming red brick houses. Original examples of these houses surround the park thanks to preservation efforts by the city's historic landmark association. Midway through the 20th century, the park began yet another transformation giving birth to what historians now call the 'beatnik' generation. Popularized as an artistic hangout by the likes of Bob Dylan, Alan Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, Washington Square Park quickly became a symbol of the bohemian lifestyle. The park was later closed off to automobile traffic in the 1960's in order to help preserve it as a respite from urban life. Crime and violence began to plague the park during the 1980s until police crackdowns reclaimed the land in the mid '90s. Controversy still swirls around the park today, thanks to a newly proposed park redevelopment program.

Magnificent Monuments and Stunning Sculptures

Car rental New York City clients are encouraged to explore Washington Square Park by foot during their upcoming vacation as it features a variety of hidden attractions. Numerous monuments dot the park landscape including Giovanni Turini's statue of Italian nationalist leader Giuseppe Garibaldi and the bust of steel manufacturer Alexander Lyman as sculpted by J.Q.A Ward. Two sculptures of George Washington are also found within the park. The park's crowning attraction, the triumphal arch, was built in1889 as a wooden structure. It was later replaced by the current marble structure in 1890-92. Washington Square Park is proud to be one of NYC's most popular meeting destinations, so why settle for the impersonal atmosphere of Manhattan's Central Park? Make some new friends during your upcoming car rental New York City vacation at NYC's favorite park - Washington Square.

Washington Square Park is proud to provide travelers with a number of unique amenities. These include the Robin Kovary Run for Small Dogs and the tournament style chess tables. Car rental in New York City customers are encouraged to test their skills against the local crowd, but be careful - hustlers have been known to take advantage of a tourist or two, so come prepared for a fierce fight! If you would like to learn more about the Washington Square Park before embarking on your upcoming car rental New York City vacation simply log onto the official New York City Department of Parks and Recreation website at www.nycgovparks.org. Washington Square Park is currently home to over 9.75 acres of public lands. Car rental New York City clients can find plenty of parking in and around Washington Square, but note that no motorized vehicles are allowed inside the park.

Check out the Staten Island car rental All Car Rent a Car location at 950 Bloomingdale Rd., Staten Island, NY 10309