By Elizabeth Ladzinski
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
GREENWICH VILLAGE — Balmy spring-like temperatures on Friday encouraged New Yorkers to step outside and enjoy the sunshine.
Washington Square Park was filled by the afternoon with people looking to soak in the warm weather.
"I wish it was like this all year," said Carole Seborovski, a resident of the Village. She came to the park with her dog, Betty "Tuesday" Pawpular, and 4-year-old daughter, Vita Kirschtein, to play chess.
Seborovski hoped spring was here to stay.
"After last winter, it has to be, right?" Seborovski added, referring to the horrendous snowstorm that hammered Manhattan with 20 inches of snow the day after Christmas.
A jazz trio filled the park with smooth beats, while many park-goers appeared to take naps on park benches. The chess players were also out, coercing passers-by to sit for a game.
Ryan McDonald, 37, who lives in the Village, brought his bulldog, Winston, out for a walk in the park.
"I think we're getting an early taste of spring," McDonald said.
Temperatures hit 75 degrees Friday, just shy of the record of 77 degrees, according to AccuWeather.
Sunday, the official first day of spring, will be cooler with highs in the mid 50s, according to forecasters.
