#96. WHO KEEPS THE PARK?

#96. WHO KEEPS THE PARK? 

May 18, 1829. Minutes of the New York City Council noted this payment: 

                 ISAAC C. OSBORN, $26.50 FOR WORK AT WASHINGTON SQUARE 

The day rate for Osborn was 75 cents. He was the first person hired to keep up the trees, and plantings, and pathways of the new Park. Up until 1827 the area had been the Washington Military Parade Ground where militias trained. 

The Park thrived and grew over time, and 200 years later is green and gorgeous, thanks in large part to Guilherme Goncalves, the Head Gardner in the Park and a worthy successor to Osborn. 

 For a Park that gets so much use -- and abuse – it has never looked better. Thanks, Gui!