Nestled in the heart of Lower Manhattan at 5 Hudson Street, Bogardus Plaza is a vibrant pedestrian area, providing a welcoming space for community gatherings. But who ensures that this space remains inviting and well-maintained? Thanks to the efforts of Victoria Weil and Thatcher Bell, two parents from the Riverdale Country School community, the Friends of Bogardus Plaza was established. This nonprofit organization is funded by donations and powered by volunteers, all working together to maintain and manage the plaza which serves as a communal hub between Reade and Chambers Streets.

The mission of Friends of Bogardus Plaza is to create an accessible, well-maintained space for the community, enriched with free programming year-round. Their efforts have made a meaningful impact on the local residents, fostering connections and a sense of community for people living in a busy and over-populated city.  

Weil’s motivation for leading the Friends of Bogardus Plaza comes from her desire to create a sense of community for her own family and neighbors: “When I moved downtown from the Upper West Side, I felt disconnected as I didn’t know anyone. When a neighbor asked me to volunteer with the group that ran what was then a small viewing garden, I eagerly accepted.” Weil, ultimately, took over the group and utilized a public plaza program creating Bogardus Plaza, closing the first block of Hudson Street to create an amazing and useful pedestrian zone. The new group raised money with community outreach and created Friends of Bogardus Plaza. The current board consists of 11 volunteer members, and they rely on annual appeal letters and fundraisers to support their work. 

The Friends of Bogardus Plaza organizes a variety of community events throughout the year. From dog shows with prizes for furry participants to free workout classes and ribbon dancing, the plaza offers dynamic, family-friendly activities. One of the most popular events is the Spring Block Party, a resident favorite featuring live music, food vendors, games, and entertainment, all free for the public to enjoy.

Looking ahead, Weil shared details about an exciting upcoming event; “Our biggest one is coming up later this month. It is a neighborhood scavenger hunt and it is awesome.” The event does sound awesome as Weil describes it as an app-based, 90-minute game played in teams of 3-8 that involves fun missions in the neighborhood. For the upcoming scavenger hunt, the Friends are actively seeking volunteers. If you have some time to spare, it’s a great way to get involved and contribute to this community effort. 

Max Cohen, board member and head of the Garden Committee, emphasized the importance of volunteering; “People seem to enjoy the space during our events and on a daily basis. When I am volunteering in the gardens, people often stop to express their appreciation for caring for the beautiful community space.”

Junior Arlo Bell, a Riverdale student and son of Victoria, also volunteers at the plaza. Reflecting on what the space means to him, Bell said: “To volunteer at Bogardus is to continue this legacy and change Tribeca for the better.”

The Friends of Bogardus Plaza continue to enrich the neighborhood, fostering a sense of community amid the city’s hustle and bustle.