parks - PoPville

“National park tourism in Washington, D.C., contributes $1.14 billion to D.C. economy”

Published August 24, 2023 at 3:15PM

From the National Park Service:

“A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 39,440,786 visitors to national parks in Washington, D.C., spent $973,000,000 in D.C. in 2022. That spending resulted in 9,140 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to D.C.’s economy of $1,144,400,000.Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 300 million visitors every year. The impact of tourism to national parks is undeniable: bringing jobs and revenue to communities in every state in the country and making national parks an essential driver to the national economy,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. (more…)

“When will International Park re-open?”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published August 11, 2023 at 1:45PM

“Dear PoPville,

I just spotted International Park this summer, but every time I try to walk my dog there I see a sign saying the park is “temporarily closed.” Any idea why it’s closed and when it will open? Or is this not a public park and only opens for events by the surrounding embassies? Something else?” (more…)

“Beyond Granite: Pulling Together is the first curated outdoor exhibition in the history of the National Mall”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published August 10, 2023 at 4:05PM

From The National Mall: “Coming next week! Experience the six art installations on the #NationalMall bringing new voices and perspectives to America’s Front Yard. Plan your visit now to see Beyond Granite: Pulling Together from Aug. 18 – Sept. 18.”

#National Mall

“Summer is Winding Down and Outdoor Pools will be Closing”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published August 7, 2023 at 1:35PM

From DPR:

“The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has released the outdoor aquatic facilities’ closures schedule for the 2023 summer season. Outdoor pools will close in waves beginning on Sunday, August 6, 2023 and ending on Monday, September 4, 2023. Pools will close for the season at 6 p.m. on their respective day.

All spray parks will close for the season at 8 p.m. on Monday, September 4, 2023.

Below is the comprehensive closure schedule for outdoor pools listed by closure dates. (more…)

#pools

Interesting Tidbit about Fishing in Rock Creek Park

By Prince Of Petworth

Published August 3, 2023 at 9:05AM

From Rock Creek Park NPS:

“August is National Fishing Month. In Rock Creek Park, fishing is only allowed downstream of the Porter Street Bridge and all angler’s must have a valid DC fishing license!”

I asked why the dividing line was at Porter and was told: (more…)

“Alignment at Dark Star Park”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published August 2, 2023 at 3:15PM

photos by Ron Cohn

Thanks to Ron for sending:

“Dark Star Park is a small urban patch in Rosslyn, bisected by a street, and easily missed. The odd oasis is home to otherworldly concrete spheres and tunnels, medal poles and pavement markings. Once a year, on Aug 1 at 9:32 am, these objects align. (more…)

Still Waiting on the Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Fountain to be filled 2023 edition

By Prince Of Petworth

Published July 31, 2023 at 2:35PM

Thanks to Terry for sharing the continued sad state of affairs of the beautiful cascading fountain at Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park. Apparently the National Park Service does not have the funds to repair, again, this year. Hopefully next year. Stay tuned.

#Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park

“Inaugural Kids World Celebration Coming to Franklin Park”

By Prince Of Petworth

Published July 28, 2023 at 4:05PM

From a press release:

“The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) is excited to announce an immersive celebration of youth and learning: Kids World debuts at Franklin Park for three fun-filled days: Friday, July 28, through Sunday, July 30. This action-packed weekend will be free and open to all and will feature a variety of creative pop-ups, hands-on activities, playful installations, and more to entertain and educate young visitors and their families. Attendees can expect to dive into the worlds of literacy, health and fitness, creativity, science and nature, and entrepreneurship. (more…)

#Franklin Square

About Adult Swim Returning to DPR Pools – Yeah, no it didn’t happen

By Prince Of Petworth

Published July 27, 2023 at 12:45PM

“Dear PoPville,

I was glad to see your post about DPR announcing the end of the ridiculous new rule forcing everyone out of the pool for 15 minutes every hour. However, I am at Harry Thomas pool and they are still enforcing the rule. (more…)

#pools

Adult Swim Returns at DPR Pools!

By Prince Of Petworth

Published July 25, 2023 at 4:05PM

Thanks to N. for passing on from DPR yesterday:

“DPR pools have seen 260,000+ visitors this summer! It’s cool to be at the pool, but we must be safe! Starting today, safety breaks returned to only children and guardians exiting the pool for 15 min every hour at the 45-minute mark.”

#pools