Sasaki Garden

New York City, a vibrant metropolis teeming with life and energy, is also home to countless hidden gems, serene escapes that offer a moment of tranquility amidst the urban hustle. Among these, the Sasaki Garden stands out as a true testament to thoughtful urban planning and beautiful landscape design. Tucked away within Washington Square Village, this remarkable garden provides a unique opportunity for New Yorkers to reconnect with nature and find a peaceful respite right in the heart of Greenwich Village. It’s one of the few private gardens in our city that graciously opens its gates to the public, making it a rare and cherished amenity.

Designed by the esteemed Hideo Sasaki, a visionary professor and chairman of the Department of Landscape Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, the Sasaki Garden was conceived as part of the Washington Square Village project in 1958. What makes this garden particularly fascinating is its innovative design: it was constructed directly over an underground parking garage, making it one of the nation's first parking garage roof structures. This ingenious use of space created a lush, elevated sanctuary that beautifully integrates greenery into a high-density urban environment. While the Washington Square Village complex was initially designed for middle-income residents, its property was later acquired by NYU, and the Sasaki Garden has since evolved into a beloved greenspace for both residents and the wider community. Though the gardens have undergone some changes over the decades, including the rebuilding of the central fountain in 2013, their core appeal as a tranquil urban escape remains undiminished.

For those seeking a quiet moment, a picturesque spot for a stroll, or a family-friendly outdoor space, Sasaki Garden offers an inviting and refreshing experience. Its design emphasizes both active and passive uses, allowing for a diverse range of activities. From residents practicing Qi Gong to parents pushing strollers, from naturalists observing birds to children playing games, the garden accommodates various needs and desires for outdoor enjoyment.

The Sasaki Garden is conveniently located at Washington Square Village, New York, NY 10012, USA. Nestled in the dynamic Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, it’s easily accessible from various parts of the city. Its central position within Washington Square Village means it's shielded from some of the immediate street noise, offering a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere.

Getting to Sasaki Garden is straightforward thanks to New York City's comprehensive public transportation network. The garden is just a short walk from major subway stations, including West 4th Street (serving the A, B, C, D, E, F, M lines) and Broadway/Lafayette Street (serving the B, D, F, M, 6 lines). These stations provide excellent connectivity from across Manhattan and beyond. For those who prefer to drive, while street parking in Greenwich Village can be challenging, there are often parking garages available in the surrounding area, though finding a spot might require a bit of patience. Visitors are encouraged to utilize public transport for ease and convenience. The garden's design includes ramps and staircases at all four corners, ensuring accessibility for various visitors. It is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. While there are no officially stated "opening hours," the garden is typically open during the day, though it is closed during the hours of darkness for safety and to respect the privacy of the residents whose apartments face the garden.

While Sasaki Garden is primarily a passive recreational space, it offers several amenities and benefits to its visitors:

• Green space for relaxation and contemplation.
• Shaded areas perfect for enjoying lunch or reading a book, especially during warmer months.
• Designated walkways for strolling and exploring the diverse plant life.
• Dog relief areas with litterbag dispensers and waste bins along the Washington Square Village driveways for pet owners.
• Opportunities for bird watching, with a variety of species attracted to the diverse trees and plantings.
• Public accessibility to a historically significant modernist landscape design.

The Sasaki Garden boasts a collection of impressive features that contribute to its charm and appeal:

• Modernist Landscape Design: An early project of Sasaki, Walker & Associates, the garden is a significant example of modernist landscape architecture, completed in 1959. Its design harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding architecture of Washington Square Village.
• Abundant Flora: The garden is home to a diverse array of trees and plants, including over 100 individual trees from various species. You can find willow, dogwood, Japanese maple, redbud, crabapple, and London plane trees. The variety of plantings ensures that the garden offers seasonal beauty, from vibrant spring blossoms to rich autumn colors.
• Flowering Trees: Many of the trees are flowering, making early spring a particularly spectacular time to visit. You’ll likely find cherry blossoms and other spring flowers adding splashes of color and beauty to the landscape.
• Central Fountain: The garden features a central fountain, which was rebuilt in 2013, providing a soothing focal point and the gentle sound of flowing water.
• Integrated Hardscape: The garden seamlessly blends vegetation with herringbone brickwork paths, concrete planters that double as seating, and multiple levels of platforms, all reflecting the rectilinear shapes of the surrounding buildings while being softened by the plantings.
• Play Areas: The garden complex includes a playground (Key Park) that provides a space for children to play, making it a great spot for families.
• Bird-Watching Opportunities: Due to its diverse plant life and the presence of water, the garden attracts various bird species, offering excellent opportunities for bird watching, especially during migration seasons.
• Peaceful Oasis: Despite its urban setting, the garden maintains a surprisingly quiet and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a tranquil escape from the city’s pace.

As a publicly accessible garden, Sasaki Garden does not typically offer commercial promotions or special offers. Its primary "offer" is the free and open access it provides to a unique and beautiful urban green space. However, NYU, which owns the complex, occasionally hosts public events or activities within the garden, such as the "Luminaria" during the holiday season, which may include music or other community-focused experiences. These events are usually advertised through NYU community channels or local neighborhood listings. It is always a good idea to check local community calendars or the NYU website for any scheduled public events at the garden.

For general inquiries related to the Sasaki Garden or Washington Square Village, you can reach out via:

Address: Washington Square Village, New York, NY 10012, USA

Phone: (212) 998-2209

Mobile Phone: +1 212-998-2209

For New Yorkers, finding a moment of peace and a connection with nature can be a valuable commodity in our bustling city. Sasaki Garden perfectly fits this need, offering a unique and highly suitable destination for locals. Its status as one of the few private gardens in NYC that welcomes the public makes it an exceptional amenity. Whether you’re a resident of Greenwich Village or simply passing through, this garden provides an invaluable escape.

It's an ideal spot for a midday lunch break, a quiet stroll after work, or a weekend outing with family. The presence of dog parks and playgrounds within the broader Washington Square Village complex caters to diverse needs, making it a versatile outdoor space. For those who appreciate horticultural beauty, the garden’s extensive collection of flowering trees and plants, especially in early spring, offers a breathtaking display. As one satisfied visitor put it, "Absolutely in love with this small, quaint garden that brought me back to Asia. 10/10," highlighting its unique, almost ethereal, charm.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Sasaki Garden represents a significant piece of New York City's landscape architecture history, being one of the first rooftop gardens built over a parking garage. It serves as a reminder of innovative urban design and the importance of preserving green spaces. Its quiet atmosphere, nestled within a bustling university and residential complex, makes it a true urban oasis – a place where you can find shade, enjoy the quiet, and simply breathe. Just remember to be mindful of the space and take your trash with you, helping to preserve this beautiful sanctuary for all to enjoy. The Sasaki Garden is more than just a park; it's a vital part of the fabric of Greenwich Village, offering a slice of serenity that every New Yorker can appreciate.

Sasaki Garden

Washington Square Village, New York, NY 10012, USA