When the 11th Street Bridge Park Opens there will be Free public WiFi throughout the park thanks to a deal with Comcast

Image Courtesy of OMA+OLIN

From a press release:

“The 11th Street Bridge Park, Washington’s first elevated public park, today announced Comcast as its official “Connectivity Partner.” The company will provide free high-speed internet access, free laptops, and digital skills programming for the park’s anticipated one million annual visitors, and surrounding community. The investment announced today is part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to help advance digital equity.

While the District of Columbia has robust broadband infrastructure, 23 percent of households do not subscribe to broadband services – and many of these households are concentrated in Wards 5, 7 and 8.

“Addressing the inequity between those who have access to broadband and those without requires meaningful investment in providing Ward 8 residents with the tools they need, as well as teaching them how to use those tools,” said Scott Kratz, Senior Vice President, Building Bridges Across the River & Director, 11th Street Bridge Park. “We heard from community members that it’s a priority for the Bridge Park to address the digital divide, and we’re thrilled to partner with Comcast to make a lasting impact in doing so.”

Comcast’s donation, valued at $1 million, includes:

Free public WiFi throughout the park;

Creation of a Comcast Lift Zone in the park’s Community Room, which will provide free high-speed internet access for visitors, along with free monthly digital skills training programming for local residents;

A donation of 15 laptops for public use at the park;

Support of ongoing programming at the park’s River Amphitheater; and

Installation of a digital display board in the park to announce daily activities.

“We are proud to partner with the 11th Street Bridge Park to help close the digital divide in Washington, D.C.,” said Misty Allen, Vice President of Government Affairs & Community Impact for Comcast’s Beltway Region. “We know that having the tools and skills necessary to navigate the digital world is critical to closing the opportunity gap and can help build a future of unlimited possibilities. With the addition of this new Lift Zone, Comcast will now have more than 40 Lift Zones in community centers across the District that offer visitors access to free WiFi.”

“As a long-time partner of both the 11th Street Bridge Park and Comcast – Iona has the privilege of serving our elders in Ward 8 through our adult day health center in Congress Heights – I am thrilled to see this project moving forward,” said Joon Bang, CEO of Iona Senior Services. “Participants at Iona’s Washington Home Center will benefit tremendously from free WiFi and digital skills training – and will truly enjoy spending time outdoors in the beautiful, new park.”

Removing barriers for a more inclusive economy is a key goal of the Bridge Park’s nationally recognized equitable development plan. Park officials are hosting a community town hall the evening of Feb. 8 at Anacostia High School to unveil its latest equitable development plan with new health and wellness strategies, along with the final park designs from the architects and engineer.”