parks

East Potomac Pool Update: “I’m sad to share that they are filling in the pool with dirt and it seems that the pool may never be completed”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

For the past week I have been trying to find out what is going on with the East Potomac Park pool. You posted about the unknown status of the pool earlier this week. I have now received a response from DPR. I’m sad to share that they are filling in the pool with dirt and it seems that the pool may never be completed. DPR directed me to the updated project page which states “It has become necessary to demobilize and stabilize the East Potomac Pool project due to deteriorating site conditions from significant and unforeseen groundwater intrusion that ultimately made the continuation of the project both safety and cost prohibitive. (more…)

What’s Going on at the East Potomac/Hains Point Pool Construction?

By Prince Of Petworth

Laura writes: “Did you hear they’re filling in the pool to expand the golf course… How many city residents are going to play the golf course versus miss that fabulous pool?”

And John sends the photo above: “looks like pool being filled in? Any word on this?”

Last we check in December 2019 it looked like it was still being dug out. Plans were to open last summer but obviously that was way off target. Perhaps more info will become available as part of the new golf deal with National Links Trust. Updates as we learn more.

Action at the Eastern Market Metro Park Project

By Prince Of Petworth


701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE

Ryan asks: “Missed the memo about the park at Eastern Market Metro apparently. any insight?”

See lots of details and renderings from an October report here.

From Department of General Services:

“Eastern Market Metro Park project is the result of a 2013 community led Master Park Plan commissioned by Barracks Row Main Street that illustrated new public space improvements surrounding the Eastern Market Metro. (more…)

Rock Creek Park will conduct “deer management operations” starting today through March 31, 2021

By Prince Of Petworth

From the National Park Service:

“Since 2013, when the National Park Service began reducing the deer population in Rock Creek Park, the park’s tree seedling density has more than doubled. To continue to protect and restore native plants and promote healthy and diverse forests, Rock Creek Park will conduct deer management operations between Nov. 16, 2020, and March 31, 2021. 

During this period, the NPS plans to reduce deer populations in Rock Creek Park and, for the first time, will include other areas under Rock Creek Park’s management. These areas could include Melvin Hazen Park, Soapstone Valley Park, Pinehurst Parkway, Glover Archbold Park, Battery Kemble Park and Fort Totten Park, among others. (more…)

Phari’s Photos – Rock Creek Park

By Prince Of Petworth

Photos and words by @Pharipedia. Phari is one of my favorite photographers who contributes to our Instagram. He’s volunteered to share a bit more with us from his adventures around town. Phari lives on Capitol Hill.

“As the third oldest National Park established in the U.S., Rock Creek Park was molded by the two sons of Fredrick Law Olmsted who designed Central Park and is considered to be the father of American landscape architecture. Their vision was that “no matter how perfect the scenery of the park may be or may become, no matter how high it’s potential value, that value remains potential except insofar as it is enjoyed by large and ever larger numbers of people, poor and rich alike.” Thank you for leaving us such a treasure.”

Seen Outside the Old Soldiers Home

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: In August 2020 we reported: “Memorandum of Understanding Signed for Armed Forces Retirement Home Redevelopment”, “includes approximately 4.3 million square feet of new development and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, as well as more than 20 acres of publicly-accessible green space”.

“Dear PoPville,

Saw this banner briefly over the weekend along Rock Creek Church Rd, where 5th St NW turns into Park Place. (more…)

“NoMa BID Purchases Empty Lot to Create Yet Another New Park in NoMa”

By Prince Of Petworth


3rd and L Street, NE courtesy NoMa BID

From a press release:

“The NoMa Parks Foundation, an affiliate of the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID), announced today that it has acquired the parcel at 1100 Third Street NE, at the corner of Third and L Streets NE. The now-vacant property, which consists of 5,800 square feet of land, will be turned into a public park owned by the District of Columbia government.

“This parcel is the long lost twin sister to the adjacent, award-winning Swampoodle Park, which opened in 2018, and has become a neighborhood favorite for both people and pets,” said Robin-Eve Jasper, President of the NoMa Parks Foundation. “We look forward to working with the community and our DC government agency partners to deliver the perfect bookend to complement Swampoodle Park and bring yet another remarkable new park to NoMa for the community to share and enjoy for years to come.”

The NoMa Parks Foundation purchased the property at 1100 Third Street NE from Jemal’s 1100 3rd LLC for $3.4 million. (more…)

In the before times you might be wondering about these on your way to work – PARK(ing) Day 2020!

By Prince Of Petworth


Back in 2015 courtesy of Casey Trees

From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will celebrate the District’s eighth annual Park(ing) Day on September 18, 2020. The annual event highlights the District’s Sustainable DC goals and kicks off World Car Free Day activities in the region.

“Park(ing) Day 2020 builds on Mayor Bowser’s efforts to reimagine public space, especially during the pandemic,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. “This year’s event is an opportunity for Washingtonians to practice safe social distancing and use our collective imagination for creative ways to occupy the curbside space that don’t involve storing cars.”

Park(ing) Day 2020 will feature pop-up parklets in metered, on-street parking spaces without time-of-day restrictions. This year’s parklets will be installed at the following locations: (more…)

“seeing it in person hurts.”

By Prince Of Petworth


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 from the Franklin Square Park development: “I know they warned us so many trees were going to have to go for the renovation, but seeing it in person hurts.”

From July 1st (more…)

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