“Round Two of the community voting process for a permanent name for “Swampoodle II”, NoMa’s newest park.” The Finalists

rendering northwest corner of 3rd and L Streets NE

From a press release:

“In the spirit of Twosday, 2/22/22, the NoMa Parks Foundation (NPF) is excited to kickoff Round Two of the community voting process for a permanent name for “Swampoodle II”, NoMa’s newest park.

Since fall 2020 when the NPF acquired the vacant lot at 3rd & L Streets NE, this park project has been referred to as “Swampoodle II,” given its twin-like size and location directly across L Street NE from Swampoodle Park, which the NPF delivered to the community in 2018.

Round One of the community naming process yielded more than 200 nominations, with strong consensus emerging around the following three potential, permanent names for “Swampoodle II”:

Swampoodle Terrace – Dozens of people submitted this nomination and commented that the continuity with the name “Swampoodle Park” would be a positive feature, especially given the complementary nature and adjacency of the two properties which bookend each other. Many were also fond of the word Swampoodle.

Union Garden –Supporters of this nomination liked the implicit reference to nearby important places like Union Station and Union Market, as well as the fact that this park would be a geographic link between those places. Additionally, several nominations appreciated that the definition of “union” means “coming together” and how this future new park will serve as a community gathering spot.

Tiber Creek Park – This was a popular nomination by many people who want the name of the new park to acknowledge the existence of Tiber Creek, a tributary of the Potomac River which was channeled into the Washington City Canal in 1815, and continues to flow underground, mostly in tunnels in NoMa and beyond. Many building projects in NoMa have had to contend with the unchanneled flows of Tiber Creek during construction.

Now it’s time for the Round Two voting process. The public is encouraged to visit the website, ImagineNoMaParks.org by 11:59 p.m. on March 8, 2022, to cast their vote for one of the top three finalist naming options. Those without Internet access can call (202) 289-0111 to request a ballot be sent in the mail.

“Once again, the community showed its thoughtfulness and enthusiasm for NoMa Parks and provided great input,” said Robin-Eve Jasper, NoMa Parks Foundation President. “Since good things come in twos, we look forward to another strong turnout in Round Two of the Swampoodle II community naming process!”

Round Two voting results will be announced on March 14, and, shortly thereafter, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, a veteran and staunch supporter of the NoMa parks community naming process, will introduce formal legislation to name this new park to the DC Council.”