PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCES BEAUTIFICATION EFFORTS IN UNION SQUARE PARK FOR SUMMER

Initiative Will Install New & Improved Lawns, Hundreds of Flowers and Boost Sanitation and Security Services

New York (May 8, 2007) – With summer almost here, the Union Square Partnership (USP) has made a series of targeted investments for the upgrading, maintenance and beautification of Union Square Park. The highpoints of this season’s efforts are the reseeding of the center, eastern and southern lawns of the 3.5-acre Park and the installation of a new irrigation system.

Each spring, USP’s beautification initiative breathes new life into one of the City’s most exciting public spaces. This year, USP will invest approximately $250,000 in the effort. In addition to the lawn work, this year’s initiative includes the planting of more than 200 ornamental shrubs, 380 perennials and 1,000 annuals to brighten and ensure the Park is at its most vibrant throughout the season. Currently, some of the 12,000 flower bulbs planted by USP in Fall 2006 are blooming throughout the Park, including 10,000 tulips. Furthermore, there will be a new area for seating at the north end of the center lawn.

“During the summer, millions of New Yorkers and tourists visit Union Square Park, taking advantage of the many amenities such as the exciting southern steps, relaxing lawns, tree-strewn walking paths, playgrounds and the Greenmarket,” said Jennifer Falk, Executive Director of the Union Square Partnership. “We recognize the importance of the Park to the district’s growth and vitality, which is why we continually invest in its beautification.”

Through a successful public/private partnership with the City’s Department of Parks & Recreation, USP coordinates closely with the agency to set goals and meet the growing demands of one of the City’s most popular parks.

“There is nothing like a summer day in Union Square Park – and the whole City is invited,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “The great collaboration with the Union Square Partnership means we can make Union Square Park even better for all park users.”

In addition to the services USP already provides throughout the district, the organization has also increased its sanitation and security services in the Park during the spring and summer months to maintain quality control as activity heightens. Specifically, USP is funding a Park Cleaning Task Force to compliment the efforts of the Departments of Parks and Sanitation. The Task Force, which patrols from April 1st through October 30th, is instrumental in keeping the Park clean and creating an extra security presence. USP also funds year-round extermination services for the Park, and a series of other Park maintenance efforts like power washing of trash cans and painting of park benches and railings.

Nationally recognized landscape architect Lynden Miller was selected to design plantings for the Park. Ms. Miller is most known for the Daffodil Project, a citywide initiative to create a living memorial of hope after September 11th. Frank Bulfamante & Sons, Inc., a local landscaping company, installed the new lawn and irrigation system. The landscapers will conduct regular soil aeration, treatments and maintenance to ensure the lawn work takes firm root. The new lawn is expected to be open to the public by June 1st and will be closed on Mondays throughout the summer for maintenance.

Since 1976, USP has voluntarily funded the beautification of the Park in preparation for the summer season. In recent years, it has committed more than $200,000 annually to plant new bulbs, clean flower beds, prune shrubs, aerate the soil, treat the lawn and provide general maintenance of the grounds. In 2005, USP contributed nearly $500,000 for the installation of new internal fences to highlight the Park’s landscape. Additionally, the organization funds an additional Parks Enforcement Patrol Officer, and a gardener annually and several playground associates during the summer months.