“NoMa’s New Park Has a New Name – SWAMPOODLE TERRACE PARK”

rendering northwest corner of 3rd and L Streets NE

From a press release:

“After seeking community input on what should be the permanent name for the new park coming to the northwest corner of 3rd & L Streets NE in NoMa and then putting the top three naming options to a public vote, the NoMa Parks Foundation (NPF) announced today that the winning name is “Swampoodle Terrace.”

Nearly 900 votes were cast online during the six-week community naming process which included the community suggestion round and the community voting round. “Swampoodle Terrace” received the most votes, surpassing the other two options by a more than 20% margin.

“The community’s choice of ‘Swampoodle Terrace” is completely fitting for our new park. The park’s design repeats many elements of its companion, Swampoodle Park, but it also includes a beautiful, terraced garden”, said Sandy Wilkes, Board Chair of the NoMa Parks Foundation. “We thank the community for its tremendous enthusiasm and active engagement in the naming process, and we want to extend our deep appreciation to Mayor Bowser and our DC government partners for their continuing support of the NoMa Parks initiative.”

The land for Swampoodle Terrace was purchased on behalf of the District and developed by NPF using grant funds provided by the city. Like other parks built by NPF, Swampoodle Terrace is owned by the District and is part of the inventory of public spaces managed by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).

“We thank the NoMa Parks Foundation for leading this community naming process and delivering another park for the benefit of all DC residents,” says Delano Hunter, DPR Director. “Improving community well-being by increasing access to public green spaces has been a high priority for Mayor Bowser since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Swampoodle Terrace will provide a great place for community members to gather and enjoy time outdoors with neighbors.”

Now that the community voting process is complete, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen will introduce legislation to officially recognize the name “Swampoodle Terrace”.

“I’m thrilled to welcome this much-needed park to NoMa and Ward 6 and thank all of the Ward 6 neighbors who took time to suggest names and vote,” said Councilmember Charles Allen. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Council and Mayor Bowser to get formal approval of this fitting new name and to the opening of Swampoodle Terrace this fall.”

NPF first focused on acquiring the 5,800 square foot parcel at the northwest corner of 3rd and L streets NE immediately after acquiring the site for Swampoodle Park at the southwest corner of 3rd and L streets NE.
It wasn’t until 2020 that Douglas Development became willing to sell the property. The acquisition was the fourth such land acquisition by the NPF. This and other projects of NPF are the product of the public-private partnership established in 2014 between NPF and the District government to identify opportunities, acquire land, design, and create parks for the formerly park- deficient NoMa neighborhood.

Swampoodle Terrace is being designed by District landscape architecture firm Lee and Associates. With construction currently underway, Swampoodle Terrace is expected to be open to the public in late 2022. NPF will share updates on Swampoodle Terrace construction and opportunities for continuing community involvement with NoMa parks at www.nomaparks.org.”