parks

“Frederick Douglass Home to reopen July 4”

By Prince Of Petworth


inside 1411 W Street, SE Frederick Douglass National Historic Site via NPS

From the National Park Service:

“Join us at the reopening of Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (1411 W Street, SE) on July 4! The celebration will start at 11 a.m. with a special ceremony featuring a ribbon-cutting, music, and a dramatic portrayal of Douglass’s famous speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”

Following the ceremony, visitors will be able to walk through the first floor of the historic home from 12:30 – 3 p.m. Ranger-lead tours of the entire house will be available from 3 – 5 p.m., with timed tickets available at the event.

Initially closed in March 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the historic home remained closed so a new HVAC system could be installed. (more…)

“Dunbar pool closed?” For Summer?!

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Just showed up (7am) to Dunbar Aquatic Center and this sign was on the door. No official DPR signs posted.”

And Dan asks: “With Wilson closed again and Dunbar apparently shut down for the summer, what are the best public-pool options for lap-lane swimmers in Northwest?”

Speaking of updates, “It continues…”

By Prince Of Petworth


4551 Fort Drive, NW

That was fast. Thanks to P. for passing on from DPR: “Wilson Aquatic Center is closed today, 6/24 due to emergency maintenance”

Update from DPR: “ALERT: Wilson pool is now closed for the day (6/26). The humidity threshold has been met. Hearst pool remains open until 8pm.”

Pool was still closed yesterday the 6/25 when I took these photos: (more…)

“wildlife management situation” at Roosevelt Island. Wait, what?

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Justin for sending Sunday: “Does anyone have any idea why Roosevelt Island is closed today?”

Megan replied: “Park Service site says “wildlife management” – apparently they have a bear?”

NPS alerts say: “Theodore Roosevelt Island Closed on 6/18/2023 for Wildlife Management
Alert, Severity, closure, Theodore Roosevelt Island Closed on 6/18/2023 for Wildlife Management
Theodore Roosevelt Island is closed on Sunday, June 18th, for wildlife management. The parking lot, Mount Vernon trail, and bikeshare station remain open the public.”

and (more…)

What happened to the Diving Board at the Banneker Pool?!?

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by wizzyliz

Update from ANCJosh (Josh Jacobson):

“Diving board: hoping to replace with a 0.5m board pending DC Health follow up. Diving board standards changed, and pool is not deep enough to support a 1m board. The depth further from board might not be enough for a 0.5m board. Hoping to have more info on approval in 2 weeks.

best case is that a shorter board comes back before end of summer. The pool might not be deep enough to meet health code though.”

“Dear PoPville,

Do you now what happened to the diving board at Banneker pool? Is it coming back?”

I asked DPR 11 days ago (June 5) and was told, “I’ll see what info I can get for you on this.” Unfortunately no further updates despite continued requests. Will update when/if they follow up.

Sad Update to Beaver Attacked by Off Leash Dog in Rock Creek Park “the beaver was euthanized”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the National Park Service:

“On Sunday, May 14, an off-leash dog attacked a wild beaver in Rock Creek Park near Boulder Bridge. Due to the severity of its injuries, the beaver was euthanized. The National Park Service (NPS) reminds visitors that dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet in Rock Creek Park and other local national parks at all times—it’s the law.

Keeping your dog on a leash keeps everyone safe, including your dog, park wildlife, native plants and other park visitors. Federal regulations require all pets to be always on a leash no longer than six feet: (more…)

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