1625 P Street, NW
“Dear PoPville,
Just a heads up to let people know. The man who you posted about a few times (exposing himself in public parks) was seen this AM in Stead Park doing the same thing around 7:30 AM.
Photo by John Cochran
Great question from Jude with tons of early suggestions. Add yours to the comments. So far folks recommend:
“Dumbarton House, smaller than Dumbarton Oaks ans has free wifi in the park!” Read More
Photo by Jim Havard
Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens with the good news:
“Friends, #KenilworthAquaticGardens is OPEN from 8 to 4 now! We are so excited to be back, but there are a few differences at the park. See the circulation map below for details! Remember to #recreateresponsibly & happy trails!” Read More
404 P Street, NW
Thanks to Kelly for sending: “I just passed the Bundy field this morning and it’s been completely paved over! Anyone know what they are doing with it? (O/P Street, NW between 5th and 4th)”
Hold up, according to google maps it used to look like this: Read More
Thanks to Stacie and Josh for sharing: “Hey, hey! We opened DC’s newest park today! Alethia Tanner Park (227 Harry Thomas Way, NE), named by popular community suggestion and vote, freed herself from slavery in 1810 by selling produce in Lafayette Park. She went on to free family members and friends, and help found churches and educational institutions in DC.
Proud to have worked on this amazing project. Read More
Photo by Nathan Castellanos
Ed. Note: We first started following this development back in April 2014!
From Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s office:
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), who has long sought long term-investment to maintain the three public golf courses in the District of Columbia, today celebrated the announcement that the National Park Service (NPS) will begin negotiations with National Links Trust (NLT) to operate the three historic golf courses here in the District.
NPS will negotiate a long-term lease for the East Potomac, Langston and Rock Creek golf courses to ensure an optimum recreational experience for golfers and capital improvements. Read More
Franklin Square is “bounded by K Street NW to the north, 13th Street NW on the east, I Street NW on the south, and 14th Street NW on the west.”
Thanks to Jonathan for sending the Franklin Park update: “Wonder if Bowser has a plan for the large number of homeless individuals who will be displaced by this project.”
Ed. Note: The sign mentions some services for those experiencing homelessness: Read More
Photo by Rex Block
“Dear PoPville,
I saw on Twitter that splash pads will not reopen in Phase Two. Can anyone explain why that’s the case? The playgrounds are finally open, but mostly uninhabitable between 10am-5pm because of the heat. I’m confused about DCDPR’s reasoning that kids are somehow able to socially distance on playground equipment but not when frolicking around chlorinated water 20 feet away. This is especially urgent for kids who don’t have access to air conditioning and have no place to cool down during the day. I really hope DCDPR changes it’s plans or can clarify the distinction.”
From DPR:
“In accordance with Mayor Muriel Bower’s lifting of the District’s Stay-at-Home Order and the start of Phase Two, DPR has reopened playgrounds and athletic courts and will begin accepting permits for outdoor parks and green spaces for social gatherings of no more than 50 persons.
Like you, DPR is excited to begin the second phase of reopening our amenities after an extended closure. We look forward to welcoming residents back and appreciate your patience as we work to make sure all these public spaces meet our Gold Standard and are ready for our residents’ use. If an amenity at your local DPR facility is not ready immediately, rest assured we are working as fast as possible and it will be open soon.
Starting Monday, June 22, the following DPR facilities will be OPEN with social distancing safeguards: Read More
Ed. Note: Read this post about what’s in the water currently at Rock Creek.
“Dear PoPville,
I have a question that you guys dealt with 8 years ago, but may be worth a revisit in these circumstance: swimming/wading in rock creek park. My family and I have been trying to go to close by beaches in MD (but they are operating on limited capacity and it’s almost impossible to get in: we tried mayo and north beach and Beverly triton last Sunday, to no avail.) Most VA beaches are closed. Pools are closed. I’m getting desperate! I have a 3 year old who loves wading/swimming. Any options. Is RCP really that dangerous to dip your feet in? Any other reader recs?”
Photo by Erinn Shirley
Ed. Note: The Arboretum was closed to the public March 24th.
From the U.S. National Arboretum:
“The U.S National Arboretum will reopen to the general public on a limited basis starting on Monday, June 8th, 2020 in support of the District’s reopening plans. Thehealth and safety of our visitors and staff are of the utmost importance.
In-line with the latest CDC, and District of Columbia guidance, in order to keep staff and visitors safe, we will be implementing new operating procedures and schedules.
Until further notice, the U.S. National Arboretum grounds will be open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 5 pm and limiting total on site visitors. Vehicular access will be allowed only through the New York Ave Entrance and there will be a limit of 200 cars allowed on the grounds at one time. Visitors planning to arrive on bike or foot are encouraged to enter via the R Street NE Entrance. The R Street NE Entrance will remain close to non-official business vehicles. Directions for parking will be provided upon entering the National Arboretum and for safety reasons, the majority of the roads on the grounds will be closed to vehicular traffic. Please come prepared to walk once you have parked your car and note that there will be limited amenities and services available including no drinking water or vending services. Visitors should come prepared with bottled water, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat or umbrella. Additional information will be provided when arriving such as available bathrooms and recommended safety procedures. We ask that you wear a mask at all times when visiting. Read More
