parks

“a section of Fort Totten Park remains closed after a National Park Service employee found two WWI-era military munitions in mounds of soil on April 18”

By Prince Of Petworth


April 18, 2023

From the National Park Service:

“Out of an abundance of caution and while an investigation remains active, a section of Fort Totten Park remains closed after a National Park Service (NPS) employee found two WWI-era military munitions in mounds of soil on April 18. The NPS will install “No Trespassing” signs around the closed area today. Fencing and barriers will be installed around the area where the munitions were found until further testing can be completed. Unofficial trails through the woods are also closed off. (more…)

Dupont Circle Fountain “One step forward, two steps back…”

By Prince Of Petworth

Update: Thanks to Brian for passing on from NPS:

“The repair contract for the Dupont Circle fountain was awarded sooner than expected and repair on the basin will begin soon. Expect to see fencing around it during the delicate waterproofing stage. Stay tuned for updates.”

Thanks to Victoria and all others who sent in updates about the Dupont Circle Fountain after it was flowing for a few days: “Sign of continuing woes…. Fence went up around the Dupont Circle fountain, workers on site. Hopefully doesn’t take as long to repair as the Meridian Hill fountain and the glorious cascades can resume.” (more…)

Today* in Hawks*** around Town – “2 foxes barking at and corralling a lone Coyote away from their den”

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Sam for sending this awesomeness:

“Last night on “Planet Earth: Cleveland Park Edition” we witnessed 2 foxes barking at and corralling a lone Coyote away from their den in Rock Creek Park. My wife Molly and I awoke to the sounds of fox barks (not rare this time of year) at our apartment on Connecticut Ave around 12:30a.

What ensued was partially captured in the photos and videos attached. We have affectionately named the Fox pair ”Penelope and Felix” after seeing them on many occasions over the last few months and years. Very cool to see right on the (formerly known as) Melvin Hazen trail (now Reservation 630) in the city!”

To the videos: (more…)

Help Rename the new space to replace “Dave Thomas Circle”

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: If I may be so bold, may I suggest the name – Dave Thomas Circle. Alternatively I’d accept Wendy’s Way.

From the NoMa BID:

“The reconfiguration of the Florida Avenue/New York Avenue NE intersection, often referred to as the “Virtual Circle” or “Dave Thomas Circle” is scheduled to begin later this year. This intersection has been a chronic challenge for the District for generations.

In addition to improving safety and navigation for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers, this project will improve the overall experience for everyone by bringing three new public spaces to the area immediately adjacent to the intersection. In advance of the delivery of these new spaces, the NoMa Business Improvement District (NoMa BID) is partnering with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and inviting members of the community to suggest one overall name for the trio of new public spaces. (more…)

Son of a

By Prince Of Petworth

On April 10th we broke the news that the Dupont Circle fountain was finally flowing. It was glorious. This morning Tom sends the photo above: “it was a tease.”

On April 14th NPS wrote: (more…)

Meanwhile at Fort Totten Park “The U.S. Army will analyze the canisters and any contents at Marine Corps Base Quantico.”

By Prince Of Petworth

From NPS:

“On April 18, a National Park Service employee found two metal canisters in a mound of soil in Fort Totten Park. Out of an abundance of caution and until more research can be completed, the park is closed just east of Fort Totten Drive, south of Gallatin Street, and north of Brookland Ave NE/Farragut St. The United States Park Police has blocked off the site, and the NPS urges people to stay out of the area. (more…)

Mayor announces “$9.8 million to fund improvements at Farragut Square”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME), and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) kicked off Jazz in Bloom, a series of concerts at Union Station that will take place throughout the spring. DC’s Comeback Plan outlines a three-pronged approach to the transformation and revitalization of downtown: fill the space, change the space, and bring the people. (more…)

“Illegal dumping on Whitehaven trail?”

By Prince Of Petworth

Update from NPS: “To report illegal activity in any of the federal reservations managed by us, you can contact the US Park Police at 202-610-7500”

“Dear PoPville,

This makeshift landfill appeared just off Whitehaven Trail (behind the Safeway on Wisconsin Ave). Someone seems to be dumping and possibly sorting trash here. There’s no vehicle access, so they must be carrying the garbage bags down the trail — very strange! (more…)

Wilson Swimming Pool could “re-open, hopefully within the next three weeks”

By Prince Of Petworth


4551 Fort Drive, NW

From Councilmember Frumin’s office:

“My last newsletter outlined the Departments of General Services and Parks and Recreation’s failure to reopen the Wilson Aquatic Center in a timely manner. After I urged leaders of both departments to implement short-term repairs to address issues with humidity and ventilation, reopening is finally in sight.

DGS recently installed temporary HVAC units to address ventilation problems inside the facility. Following health and safety inspections, the aquatic center will be able to re-open, hopefully within the next three weeks. If the temporary units do not last as an interim solution, the aquatic center may need to close again. (more…)

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