“The National Park Service has cleared the way for the transformation of Franklin Park into an active, flexible, sustainable and historic urban park” in 2017

Prince Of Petworth August 11, 2015 at 3:45pm

13th and K Street, NW

Ed. Note: We spoke about the difficulties in Franklin Square back in 2011.

“The National Park Service has cleared the way for the transformation of Franklin Park (also known as Franklin Square) into an active, flexible, sustainable and historic urban park, finding that this effort will not adversely impact the natural or cultural resources of the park, which dates to 1832.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Park Service, in cooperation with the National Capital Planning Commission and working with the District of Columbia and the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), completed an Environmental Assessment for the Franklin Park Vision and Transformationplan (EA). Based on analysis of the EA and consideration of public comments, the National Park Service determined that the work in Franklin Park will not result in significant impacts to the environment.

“The completion of the environmental review process represents an important step forward in the plan to transform Franklin Park into one of our nation’s premiere urban parks,” said Karen Cucurullo, acting superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks. “This reflects the National Park Service’s commitment to design a Franklin Park that meets the diverse needs of neighborhood residents, workers and visitors without altering the historic character of the site.”

The National Park Service has released a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the preferred alternative outlined in the EA;the FONSI is the decision document that completes the initial planning phase and ensures the project complies with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.

“The District is excited to partner with the National Park Service to unlock the potential of our urban national parks, improving access to signature outdoor spaces for all people,” said Eric Shaw, Director of the DC Office of Planning. “The transformation of Franklin Park is an essential part of the District’s strategy to enhance the economic vitality and livability of Downtown.”

The park, which is served by Metro, 32 Metrobus lines, and two DC Circulator routes, sits amid a thriving commercial district and a growing residential population.

“A vibrant Franklin Park is a major investment in DC’s downtown economy,” according to Rich Bradley, executive director, DowntownDC BID. “Companies want to locate near great public amenities. Franklin Park will provide a competitive advantage for the city when those decisions are being made.”

The National Park Service chose “The Edge” action alternative design, which includes: revisions to the center plaza, with a newly-designed interactive fountain;the addition of a play area;the addition of a pedestrian mall along the southern edge of the park and other revisions to the hardscaping;the addition of a café and other basic amenities;and landscaping improvements. “The Edge” is designed to rehabilitate and enliven the park with enhanced program elements and circulation improvements and still retain much of its historic layout.

The entities involved in this effort will next complete the design and develop an agreement with the District of Columbia to construct and manage the new Franklin Park. Completion of the entire project is expected in 2017.”

franklin square