parks

At first I dismissed this email because it seems outrageous but then I remembered it is 2020

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

My husband and I went to the Aquatic Gardens today [Sunday] around 3:10pm and upon entering, we saw a park staff member or officer in uniform running to the info booth with a flotation device under her arm in a panic. We stopped in our tracks and she said “Did he go to get the gator?” “Where is it?” The person manning the booth said yes and pointed her to the left around the body of water. She ran in that direction and yelled “Tell him I’m over here, okay?” I’m from Florida and we don’t play with that so obviously we left but an alligator?! In DC?! Hoping your readers can shed some light on this.”

Ed. Note: On July 27th 2018 “an illegal 5-foot caiman” was removed from a home in SE. The National Zoo says: “The American alligator is found in the United States from North Carolina to the Rio Grande in Texas.”

“Looking for some community wisdom on biking to work”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by C JRCook

“Dear PoPville,

I’m considering getting a bike for a few reasons (some pandemic related) but am trying to figure out if it’s feasible to ride to work when work resumes–I don’t want to invest in one and then let it sit in storage if things ever get back to normal. One possible route would take me down Rock Creek Park Trail between Porter St. and Georgetown (or between Calvert and Georgetown, depending on what I find out), and from all my research it’s hard to decipher whether or not this part of the trail is a safe, reliable route for someone on a hybrid/commuter bike during weekday commute hours (i.e. when Beach Drive isn’t blocked to cars). (more…)

“PSA: They opened the massive new park and dog park along the MBT in Eckington.”

By Prince Of Petworth

View this post on Instagram

Hey, hey! We opened DC's newest park today! #AlethiaTannerPark, named by popular community suggestion and vote, freed herself from slavery in 1810 by selling produce in Lafayette Park. She went on to free family members and friends, and help found churches and educational institutions in DC. Proud to have worked on this amazing project. The opening was delayed by the coronavirus, but I'm so glad to have worked with many great folks to bring about another venue to celebrate community, practice civility, and exercise democracy. Run, go play! . . . #washingtondc #igdc #acreativedc #202creates #eckington #noma #nomabid #ward5 #parks #newpark #parksandrecreation #urbanpark #dcchasers #exposeddc #popville #dcist #dogpark #playground #fotodc #theotherdc #walkwithlocals #mydccool #washmagphoto #dc #leslieknope #reallifeleslieknope @dcdpr @noma.bid @dcdgs @eckingtonparks @forresterconstruction @nelsonbyrdwoltz @studio27arch @jtruxdc @jub_rogers

A post shared by Stacie West (@estaciedc) on

Thanks to Stacie and Josh for sharing: “Hey, hey! We opened DC’s newest park today! Alethia Tanner Park (227 Harry Thomas Way, NE), named by popular community suggestion and vote, freed herself from slavery in 1810 by selling produce in Lafayette Park. She went on to free family members and friends, and help found churches and educational institutions in DC.
Proud to have worked on this amazing project. (more…)

“Norton Achieves Public-Private Partnership to Restore Historic Golf Courses in D.C.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Nathan Castellanos

Ed. Note: We first started following this development back in April 2014!

From Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s office:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), who has long sought long term-investment to maintain the three public golf courses in the District of Columbia, today celebrated the announcement that the National Park Service (NPS) will begin negotiations with National Links Trust (NLT) to operate the three historic golf courses here in the District.

NPS will negotiate a long-term lease for the East Potomac, Langston and Rock Creek golf courses to ensure an optimum recreational experience for golfers and capital improvements. (more…)

Franklin Park Closing July 1st for a 12 Month Renovation

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 the Franklin Park update: “Wonder if Bowser has a plan for the large number of homeless individuals who will be displaced by this project.”

Ed. Note: The sign mentions some services for those experiencing homelessness: (more…)

Here’s the DPR (Parks and Pools) Situation for Phase Two – One Reader Wonders Why?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Rex Block

“Dear PoPville,

I saw on Twitter that splash pads will not reopen in Phase Two. Can anyone explain why that’s the case? The playgrounds are finally open, but mostly uninhabitable between 10am-5pm because of the heat. I’m confused about DCDPR’s reasoning that kids are somehow able to socially distance on playground equipment but not when frolicking around chlorinated water 20 feet away. This is especially urgent for kids who don’t have access to air conditioning and have no place to cool down during the day. I really hope DCDPR changes it’s plans or can clarify the distinction.”

From DPR:

“In accordance with Mayor Muriel Bower’s lifting of the District’s Stay-at-Home Order and the start of Phase Two, DPR has reopened playgrounds and athletic courts and will begin accepting permits for outdoor parks and green spaces for social gatherings of no more than 50 persons.

Like you, DPR is excited to begin the second phase of reopening our amenities after an extended closure. We look forward to welcoming residents back and appreciate your patience as we work to make sure all these public spaces meet our Gold Standard and are ready for our residents’ use. If an amenity at your local DPR facility is not ready immediately, rest assured we are working as fast as possible and it will be open soon.

Starting Monday, June 22, the following DPR facilities will be OPEN with social distancing safeguards: (more…)

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