David Friedland Square

David Friedland Square is a public space situated at the intersection of W 170th Street and St Nicholas Avenue in the vibrant Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, with the full address being W 170th St &, St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10032, USA. As a "Scenic Spot" within the urban landscape, this square serves as a local gathering point and a brief respite from the bustling city. The park is named in honor of David B. Friedland, a former New York City Council member who served from 1970 until his death in 1976, known for his dedication to consumer affairs and willingness to cross party lines to serve his constituents. While it may not boast the expansive green lawns or diverse amenities of larger city parks, it holds its own as a localized urban space.

The environment of David Friedland Square is typical of a smaller city park or plaza. Located at a street intersection, it is primarily a hardscaped area, likely featuring some benches, paving, and perhaps a few trees or planters to offer a touch of greenery. Given its position in a dense urban area, it is surrounded by the typical sights and sounds of New York City – residential buildings, commercial establishments, and the constant flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Its immediate surroundings contribute to its character as an easily accessible, albeit potentially compact, public space for local residents and passersby. Unlike sprawling natural parks, David Friedland Square is integrated directly into the street grid, making it a functional component of the local urban fabric. The ambiance can vary significantly throughout the day, from quieter mornings to more active periods during peak pedestrian hours. The overall aesthetic is one of urban utility, designed to provide a small but important public square within a residential and commercial corridor.

Regarding services, David Friedland Square, like many smaller public parks in New York City, primarily offers space for passive recreation and community interaction. Its main "service" is providing an open, publicly accessible area. This would include benches for seating, allowing individuals to rest, read, or simply observe the urban scene. While specific amenities like playgrounds, restrooms, or dedicated recreational facilities are generally not found in squares of this size, its fundamental function is to offer a place for people to gather outdoors. As a "Scenic Spot" within its platform category, the service it provides is the availability of a recognized public location, a point of reference within the neighborhood. For those navigating the area, it serves as a recognizable landmark. In terms of accessibility, its location at a major intersection makes it easily reachable by foot for local residents and via public transportation, including buses that traverse St Nicholas Avenue and nearby subway lines, though direct subway exits at the square itself would need to be confirmed. The phone number for general inquiries or city park information is (212) 639-9675 or +1 212-639-9675, which typically connects to the NYC Parks Department.

The features of David Friedland Square, while perhaps not grand, are integral to its role as a neighborhood amenity. As a city square, its primary feature is its status as an open public space. It might incorporate elements of urban design, such as decorative paving, street furniture, or potentially a small plaque or monument commemorating David B. Friedland. The precise layout and specific design features would be consistent with standard New York City small park designs, which often prioritize durability and low maintenance while providing essential functions. For instance, some smaller squares feature specific types of trees chosen for urban resilience, or public art installations, though there is no readily available information indicating such specific features for David Friedland Square. Its key characteristic lies in its function as a "shortcut" for pedestrians, as noted in one review, suggesting that its layout allows for efficient movement through the urban block. This practical aspect is a significant feature for local users navigating the neighborhood. The integration of the square into the street grid means it naturally provides a point for local street vending or casual encounters, although these are not formal services offered by the park itself.

Promotional information for David Friedland Square, as a local "Scenic Spot," would generally focus on its accessibility, its role as a neighborhood landmark, and its utility as a public gathering place. For locals, the promotion would emphasize its convenience as a spot to meet, take a break, or simply enjoy a moment outdoors. While it may not attract tourists in the same way as Central Park or Times Square, its value is in its community function. Any promotional materials would likely highlight its location within Washington Heights, a historically rich and diverse neighborhood in Upper Manhattan. This allows it to be presented as part of the broader appeal of the area. For potential users looking for a quick outdoor stop or a place to simply sit down, David Friedland Square offers a straightforward solution. As a "Scenic Spot" in a dense urban environment, its value lies in providing accessible open space, a commodity in a city like New York. The fact that it is named after a notable local public servant also adds a layer of civic pride and history to its identity. Promotional efforts by local community boards or neighborhood associations might also highlight any informal events or activities that occasionally take place within the square, further enhancing its community appeal. Given the general nature of such urban squares, promotional content would underscore its accessibility and role in facilitating local routines and interactions.

It is important to provide an objective introduction, acknowledging all available information, including user reviews. One review notes, "It's the local Skid Row. No shortage of derelicts to be had." Another states, "Many creeps abound here....Nice to make shortcuts." These reviews suggest that David Friedland Square, at times, may experience challenges common to some urban public spaces, particularly in terms of social dynamics and perceived safety. While these are anecdotal observations, they provide a perspective on the lived experience of some users. Such comments highlight that, like many public spaces in a large city, the environment and atmosphere can be fluid and vary depending on the time of day and the presence of diverse individuals. An objective assessment must include these aspects, indicating that while it serves as a public space, users should be aware of their surroundings, particularly if considering visiting during off-peak hours or in the evenings. The "nice to make shortcuts" comment, however, also reinforces its practical value for pedestrian movement in the neighborhood, showing it functions as a conduit for local foot traffic, a key characteristic of many urban squares.

In conclusion, David Friedland Square, located at W 170th St & St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10032, and reachable at (212) 639-9675, is an urban public square that functions as a local "Scenic Spot." It offers an accessible, hardscaped environment for passive recreation, providing benches for seating and serving as a convenient pedestrian shortcut within the Washington Heights neighborhood. While specific amenities are limited, its primary service is offering open public space for community members. Its features are those typical of a city square, integrated into the urban fabric. Promotional information would focus on its utility as a neighborhood landmark and gathering place. User reviews indicate that while it serves a practical purpose for many, it may also present social challenges common to urban public spaces, necessitating awareness of one's surroundings. Its significance lies in its role as a small, yet functional, green or open space amidst the density of New York City, honoring a local public figure and contributing to the daily life of the surrounding community.

David Friedland Square

W 170th St &, St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10032, USA