About

A Park with a Remarkable History

The history of Christopher Park began long before it became part of Stonewall National Monument in 2016. Established as a public park in 1837, this small green space has witnessed nearly two centuries of life in Greenwich Village. It has also been the setting for some of the most consequential events in the history of LGBTQ+ civil rights.

Spring tulips in Christopher Park at Stonewall National Monument, with the Pride flag and George Segal’s Gay Liberation sculptures in the background

In June 1969, Christopher Park and the surrounding streets became sites of protest and gathering during the Stonewall uprising. Demonstrations following the police raid on the Stonewall Inn continued throughout the neighborhood. The events helped galvanize the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and forever changed the significance of this corner of Greenwich Village.

In 1992, George Segal’s Gay Liberation sculptures were installed in Christopher Park, creating one of the country’s earliest public monuments dedicated to the struggle for LGBTQ+ equality.

Then, on June 24, 2016, President Barack Obama established Stonewall National Monument—the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ history. Christopher Park became the heart of the new national monument and part of the National Park System.

Christopher Park Alliance

A community-led nonprofit, the Alliance cares for Christopher Park and its gardens in the heart of Stonewall National Monument.

Since 2013, our volunteers have worked with the National Park Service and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Together, we help keep this historic public space beautiful, welcoming, and well cared for.

Volunteers, donors, community partners, and neighbors make our work possible and share our commitment to preserving and caring for this extraordinary place.

Caring for Christopher Park

Throughout the year, Christopher Park Alliance volunteers work to keep the gardens of Christopher Park beautiful, healthy, and welcoming. Our volunteers provide the hands-on care that helps this historic landscape thrive.

Christopher Park Alliance volunteers planting flowers in the gardens of Christopher Park in Stonewall National Monument

Gardens & Horticulture

Each year, volunteers plant thousands of spring-flowering bulbs, add colorful seasonal flowers, care for perennials and shrubs, and help maintain the park’s irrigation system. The result is a changing garden that brings beauty to Christopher Park in every season.

Community & Volunteers

Christopher Park is cared for by people who love it. Volunteer planting days and open gardening days bring neighbors and supporters together to work in the park and help preserve it for visitors from around the world.

Interested in getting involved? Visit our Volunteer page to learn more and join us at an upcoming gardening day.

How the Gardens are Supported

Although Christopher Park is part of Stonewall National Monument and owned by the National Park Service, there is no dedicated government gardening staff for the park. The gardens are maintained by Christopher Park Alliance volunteers, with support from our donors.

Donations provide the plants, bulbs, gardening materials, irrigation maintenance, and other resources needed to keep the gardens thriving throughout the year.

Want to help keep the gardens thriving? Support Christopher Park Alliance.

Our Partners

Christopher Park Alliance works in partnership with organizations committed to preserving Stonewall National Monument, caring for Christopher Park, and sharing the history and significance of this extraordinary place.