The Design for Union Square North

The goal of the North End Project is to complete an ongoing renovation and expansion of the Union Square Park that began in the 1980s. The specific improvements will include expanded and improved play space, an enhanced pedestrian experience of the plaza, a rehabilitated Pavilion, and a new public restroom that is accessible from both the plaza and the playground.  

Playground

As part of the plan, the two existing playgrounds, will be united into a single playground three times the size of the current play space. Built on a single elevation and divided into three connected rooms with distinct landscape and character, the new playground will be accessible for children of all abilities. The western section will be for toddlers and will include a large swing set, climbing platforms with slides, and a sand and water play area. The center area will be a highly active space featuring play equipment and a spray shower, and the eastern area will offer a climbing and sliding dome, monkey bars and a tube slide for school-aged children.

Restroom Facility

A restroom facility with men’s, women’s and family restrooms will be constructed on the playground’s northeast corner. The structure is designed to blend into the park’s existing context, incorporating an existing ashlar wall into its north and east façades. Men’s and women’s restrooms will be accessible from the plaza, while the family restroom will have dedicated access from the playground.

Plaza

The plaza will be elevated to sidewalk level with new hexagonal block paving and curbing. The hex-block design uses contrasting tones to create a large-scale geometric pattern on the plaza. New water and electric connections will be available for Greenmarket use.

Landscaping

Union Square’s North End will feature beautiful new landscaping. New Japanese Pagoda trees will line the northern and western perimeters of the plaza. Reaching a maximum of 40 feet, the trees will complement the urban scale created by the buildings that surround the square. The playground area will also be enhanced with new large shade trees and new small flowering trees.

Lighting

New lighting will match previous renovations to the south. Bishop’s Crook historic light poles will replace standard cobra head light poles around the perimeter. In addition, new Riverside Type “B” light poles will be installed around and within the northern and western portions of the park.

Pavilion

The rehabilitated Pavilion will house new offices for Parks Department personnel who service the park on the lower level. The upper level may accommodate a seasonal concession and off-season community space. Damaged structural elements will be repaired and the clay tile roof will be rebuilt. A new elevator will make the building accessible for people with disabilities, and the existing restrooms will be renovated.