Membership Drive

Washington Market Park is having a membership drive. We encourage all families and community members who care about the park to join. Anyone who uses the park, lives in New York City and is over the age of 18 may be a member of WMCP, Inc. Membership is free, and members will receive periodic newsletters informing them about events in the park and other issues relating to the park. In addition, only members are eligible to vote for the WMCP Inc.'s Board of Directors. If you or any one you know would like to become a member, you may do so by sending your name, address and telephone number to:

Washington Market Community Park, Inc.
295 Greenwich St. #227
NY, NY. 10007
or send e-mail to: LizLeahy@aol.com

March is Election Month

Elections for the park's board of directors, postponed after September 11, will be held on March 14th, 15th and 16th outside the entrance to the park. Members of the Board of Directors serve for a two year term. Each director must attend a monthly meeting and serve on at least one committee. This is an opportunity for you to directly affect what happens to your local park. All you need to do to run is to submit a letter outlining your background, your views on issues facing the park, and how you feel you can contribute. Letters are due by February 15, and should be sent to the Election Committee, WMCP, Inc., 295 Greenwich Street #227, New York, NY 10007. For questions, e-mail Linda Lakhdhir @ llakhdhir@hotmail.com. Election Days: MARCH 14th & 15th: 8am -10am & 3pm-5pm. MARCH 16th: 10am-3pm. LOOK FOR THE BIG WHITE TENT! PLEASE VOTE!

Washington Market Park
In the Wake of September 11th

Washington Market Park suffered considerable damage in the wake of September 11. Not only was the park contaminated with asbestos, causing the removal of the park's sand, but the park suffered physical damage from the use of the park as a temporary base for rescue operations. The basketball court, which was resurfaced less then two years ago, is now peeling from damage caused when heavy equipment was parked there. The tennis court, which was also used for rescue supplies, suffered as well, with damage to the gate, the tennis net, the umpire chair, and the bulletin board. The park is also being caught in the city budget freeze and budget cutbacks in the wake of September 11.

City Council member Kathryn Freed had allocated $247,000 for the construction of the new playground, but the park has not been able to get access to that money due to the city budget freeze. Thus, the timetable and scope of the reconstruction scheduled to start next month remains up in the air, and some elements may have to be eliminated if alternative funding is not found. Finally, the annual grant for the park's concert series is also in jeopardy due to the cutbacks in the City's Department of Cultural Affairs. The park is seeking tax-deductible contributions to help recover from the disaster. No contribution is too small or too large. Please send your tax deductible contributions to: WMCP, Inc., 295 Greenwich Street #227, New York, NY 10007.

Toys For the Lawn: Flaghouse has generously donated hula hoops and bouncing balls for use on the park's lawn. The toys will be kept near the stairs, and will be available to all park users on a first come, first served basis. We are using an honor system and we ask your cooperation in making sure that the toys are returned to the shed when you finish using them.

Children's Programming

Mark your Calendar! We' ve set the dates for our springtime favorites:

Ladybug Day: Friday, May 10th
Spring Popcorn & Puppet Festival: Saturday, May 11th

Ladybug Day is scheduled for Friday this year so that the little bugs can get into the classrooms during the week. We hope this will give kids plenty of time to explore their habitat. We look forward to decorating the park with all the inspired and creative art the children bring with them on this buggy day. The 3rd annual Spring Popcorn and Puppet Festival is shaping up nicely. Returning this year will be the very kid friendly and interactive band, Ohmland! Ralph Lee will be presenting a special piece this year that will fill the lawn with animals and music. Soup, Muddy Feet and Chinaberry Puppets will also be returning to help make this a fun filled day for the whole family. Hope to see you all there!