“Should I round up my parent friends and have a ‘baby sit-in’? What’s the protocol here?”

6th and P St, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I live on the eastern side of Shaw, where there are a dearth of grassy parks that my 7-month-old baby can crawl around on. I noticed a potentially nice space near the playground at Kennedy Rec Center at 7th and P NW with tall trees, winding paths and lots of grass. Yesterday, we tried it out. The only other group was a triad, sitting by the fence, chatting, surveying the park and giving me a suspicious look.

I set the blanket out, kicking away bottle caps, bandaids and pieces of glass. When we looked over to the other group, we noticed a man stumble up, hand over some cash, and take a little baggie from them. Lots of weary side eye was directed our way.

Needless to say, we felt a little unwelcome. My husband later pointed out that the glass may have been intentionally thrown around to deter the likes of me.

So, what to do? Should we forget about the park, leaving the space for the group to conduct business? Should I keep coming back, but mind my own business? Should I round up my parent friends and have a ‘baby sit-in’? What’s the protocol here? What do other neighbors think of that space?”