WHAT'S GOING ON AT THE PARK?
The Chicago Park District is pursuing the restoration of the grass in the south quadrant of Washington Square Park and has installed a fence to protect the area as the grass seed germinates and grows.
Fall is a good time of the year to plant grass seed as the soil is warm from the Summer, the temperatures are typically cooler, and the grass can develop roots before the Winter cold arrives.
How long will the fence be in place?
Throughout the Winter and into next Spring.
Then the Park District will assess the Spring growth and determine whether to allow more time for the grass to get firmly established.
Why now in 2021?
First a little background.
Representatives of the Washington Square Park Advisory Council (PAC) are your neighbors and use the park just as you do, so they are familiar with the challenges facing this small much-loved park.
They have worked with the Park District over the last seven years for its improvement and maintenance. At the September 2019 Park District budget meeting, the PAC presented a project request for soil restoration, and a project manager was assigned. At a meeting later in the Fall of 2019, a general plan was discussed. Unfortunately, the pandemic interfered and sidelined work in 2020, so that brings us to now-
the restoration of the first quadrant.
The goal is to continue the restoration
of one quadrant a year.
First Steps:
The Park District has put down playground quality mulch under some of the trees in the north quadrant for you and your dog to prevent damage to the area being restored. It is a specialty product used to reduce mud puddles and dirt and dust on playgrounds and other outdoor areas. It is natural and not treated with chemicals.
Restoring the grass is just one of the ways the Park Advisory Council advocates for the park. With more people and their pets spending time in the park, maintaining healthy soil and grass is of primary importance to the community.
​
Barbara Clark, Chair
Landscaping Committee
Washington Square Park Advisory Council
Neighbors and Friends of Washington Square Park!
​
Please take your leashed dog to the North Quadrant (Walton Street) to use THE BARK BATHROOM while our restoration takes place. (The bark will help absorb the urine and protect the soil and trees.)
Thanks for your support as we continue to make our park beautiful! We will continue to give updates as the restoration progresses.
​
PS - please remember to leash your dogs, pick up after yourself, and help keep the park enjoyable for all.
UPDATE December 2021
Planting of Trees
In November the Chicago Park District planted 6 more trees - 3 ginkgo and 3 hackberry in our Park. Both species are generally long-lived, even in an urban setting and will add to the variety of trees in the Park.
Thanks you to the Chicago Park District for planting these trees as part of the restoration.
UPDATE October 2021
Continued Park Safety And Tree Removal Plan
A few photos below from Monday morning. A Chicago Park District crew is removing dead wood, low branches, side shoots and several trees. This is a continuum of the process of tree safety and well being initiated back in August.
In the East quadrant another old Silver Maple was cut down. The trunk of the tree had a significant cavity, which may contribute to structural weakness. One of the phots below highlights the cavity.
In the West quadrant, two Hawthorns close to the fence will be removed. This is the tree that was earlier identified as “creaking,” and was on a safety watch. As both Hawthorns are near the fence and sidewalk, their removal best serves the safety and well-being of our community.
Continued postings will occur as work progresses. Please share with your friends our diligent effort to maintain the SAFETY and BEAUTY of Washington Square Park. Our efforts of the last few months represent years of planning, recording and preparation. Every effort has been made to retain our beautiful environment while maintaining safety to all.
Barbara Clark, Chair
Landscaping Committee – Washington Square Park Advisory Council
WHAT'S GOING ON AT THE PARK? October 7, 2021
THIS WEEK IN THE PARK
(or what has happened)
Crews with the Chicago Park District returned to Washington Square Park this week to trim and remove trees. In addition to the pruning of broken branches and dead wood in a number of trees, two Hawthorns with structural deficiencies and three Ash trees harmed by the Emerald Ash Borer were removed.
NEXT WEEK IN THE PARK
(or what will happen)
The Chicago Park District replants trees regularly. In 2016 in Washington Square Park 13 trees were planted. In 2022 there will be the opportunity to replant trees for the coming decades, trees that will tolerate the changing weather, trees that will increase the biodiversity of the park. As conversations with the Park District move along, we’ll share with you what we learn.
THE TREES WE SEE
Many of the trees in the park have been there for decades and contribute to the appearance and ambience of the park.
They are familiar to us.
Tree trimming and removal can be distressing.
Changes in what we see
or don’t see can be upsetting.
The safety of park patrons
is always top priority.
Trees that may present hazards to the public require attention.
Barbara Clark, Chair
Landscaping Committee
Washington Square Park Advisory Council