parks

Northern Section of Beach Drive Closure to cars extended to September 5!

By Prince Of Petworth

Good news from the National Park Service:

“The National Park Service is still conducting studies for the environmental assessment for the proposed closure of the northern section of Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park. The closure, slated to end on April 30, 2022, will be extended to September 5, 2022. This extension will ensure that we maintain recreational opportunities this summer, through Labor Day.

The NPS will continue to limit drivers’ access to this section of Beach Drive until a final determination is made. (more…)

Walking with Long Walks DC – Happy Earth Day from the National Arboretum!

By Prince Of Petworth

This month Sara from Long Walks DC writes:

“Happy Earth Day from the National Arboretum! If you are still craving beautiful spring flowers, thousands of vibrant azaleas are begining to bloom over the next weeks. The walking paths through the Azalea Collection are picturesque and soon will be fully blazing with color.

Download the National Arboretum App for help finding all the cool spots throughout the park.

There is also a free flower show in the Visitor Center Auditorium today (Friday) from 1pm-4pm and Saturday 9am-4pm. On April 30th, (more…)

The Springs coming to Franklin Square Park

By Prince Of Petworth


1315 I Street, NW

The liquor license placard at the new little building at the edge of Franklin Square Park, for The Springs says: “New Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern serving café-style sandwiches. Seat Capacity of 60 and a Total Occupancy Load of 60. Summer Garden with a seating capacity of 7,500. [Ed. Note: 7,500 capacity for the park?!? Or maybe just a typo…] (more…)

Melvin Hazen No More – Hello U.S. Reservation 630

By Prince Of Petworth


Tilden and Reno Road, NW

Adieu Melvin Hazen, nobody will miss you.

In February 2021 Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton educated:

“Hazen began his career in the D.C. government as a surveyor in 1889 and rose through the ranks to become President of the three-member Board of Commissioners, a role he held from 1933 until his death, in 1941. Over the 51 years of his career, he held considerable influence and power over the development of D.C., and chose to wield this power by implementing a drastic urban planning strategy in Northwest D.C. that promoted segregation, prioritized all-white communities and marginalized African-American residents. (more…)

“A Safer Hans Point – dedicated space for bicyclists and pedestrians”

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Ketti for sharing. Unfortunately the link in the poster is not currently active but I did come across this interesting historical tidbit that I never knew:

“Hains Point is named for the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Peter Conover Hains, the engineer who designed the Tidal Basin. Here, the Potomac River, Washington Channel, and Anacostia River all converge.”

Will post again on April 19th when more info on the designs are released.

“They’re looking to change/improve the parks in the downtown area and are asking for public input!”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I wanted to share this survey I found floating around on social media. They’re looking to change/improve the parks in the downtown area and are asking for public input! I’m hoping people can find this so we ensure the future of the parks actually reflect what residents want! Here is the survey.

I’d recommend taking it on a computer if possible as there are a bunch of images to compare.”

11th Street Bridge Park Unveils Plans for “Mussel Beach” Play Area “will feature sculptural mussels, sea grass climbers, water sounds, and slides.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Image Courtesy of OMA+OLIN

From a press release:

“Today,​ the 11th Street Bridge Park​ – a partnership between the local non-profit Building Bridges Across the River (Building Bridges) and the District government – unveiled plans for the interactive “Mussel Beach” play area by landscape architects OLIN and play consultants from Studio Ludo. Given the proximity of the play area to the park’s Environmental Education Center and the Anacostia Watershed Society’s work to repopulate thousands of mussels within the Anacostia River improving river water quality, the play area will feature sculptural mussels, sea grass climbers, water sounds, and slides. (more…)

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