Ed. Note: Read this post about what’s in the water currently at Rock Creek.

“Dear PoPville,

I have a question that you guys dealt with 8 years ago, but may be worth a revisit in these circumstance: swimming/wading in rock creek park. My family and I have been trying to go to close by beaches in MD (but they are operating on limited capacity and it’s almost impossible to get in: we tried mayo and north beach and Beverly triton last Sunday, to no avail.) Most VA beaches are closed. Pools are closed. I’m getting desperate! I have a 3 year old who loves wading/swimming. Any options. Is RCP really that dangerous to dip your feet in? Any other reader recs?”



Photo by Erinn Shirley

Ed. Note: The Arboretum was closed to the public March 24th.

From the U.S. National Arboretum:

“The U.S National Arboretum will reopen to the general public on a limited basis starting on Monday, June 8th, 2020 in support of the District’s reopening plans. Thehealth and safety of our visitors and staff are of the utmost importance.

In-line with the latest CDC, and District of Columbia guidance, in order to keep staff and visitors safe, we will be implementing new operating procedures and schedules.

Until further notice, the U.S. National Arboretum grounds will be open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 5 pm and limiting total on site visitors. Vehicular access will be allowed only through the New York Ave Entrance and there will be a limit of 200 cars allowed on the grounds at one time. Visitors planning to arrive on bike or foot are encouraged to enter via the R Street NE Entrance. The R Street NE Entrance will remain close to non-official business vehicles. Directions for parking will be provided upon entering the National Arboretum and for safety reasons, the majority of the roads on the grounds will be closed to vehicular traffic. Please come prepared to walk once you have parked your car and note that there will be limited amenities and services available including no drinking water or vending services. Visitors should come prepared with bottled water, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat or umbrella. Additional information will be provided when arriving such as available bathrooms and recommended safety procedures. We ask that you wear a mask at all times when visiting. (more…)



Photo by Andrew Pasko-Reader

From DPR:

“In accordance with Mayor Muriel Bower’s lifting of the District’s Stay-at-Home Order and the start of Phase One, DPR outdoor facilities will be available for public use beginning Friday, May 29, 2020.

Like you, DPR is excited to begin this first phase and reopen our many parks and facilities 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 will be there soon.

Starting Friday, May 29, the following DPR facilities will be OPEN with social distancing safeguards: (more…)



Photo by Beau Finley

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve been walking around the track for the past two months without issue, but yesterday when I went over there a security guard yelled at me that the park was closed. I’ve been at the Park with a security guard before, but they only yelled at people who were hanging out–anyone who was moving was allowed to stay. I thought that the parks were open for recreation purposes, so I was very confused when the security guard yelled at us.”


“Dear PoPville,

We’re looking to do outdoor day trips/hikes but having a hard time finding options or actually what is open.I’m assuming people aren’t sharing bc they don’t want it to get crowded but is there a way to check easily? Each park site is confusing and I don’t know what is closed?”



1869 – courtesy United States Botanic Garden

From the United States Botanic Garden:

“Today is the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Botanic Garden! Created in 1820, the Garden is the oldest continuously operating public garden in the United States. From desert cacti to tropical palms to colorful orchids, they grow more than 65,000 plants from across the United States and around the world. (more…)



Soapstone

From DC Water:

“The National Park Service (NPS) has completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) and approved DC Water’s proposed Soapstone Valley Park Sewer Rehabilitation Project. Soapstone Valley Park is managed by Rock Creek Park and is located southeast of the intersection of Connecticut Avenue NW and Albemarle Street NW, extending to Broad Branch Road NW.

DC Water has determined that the Soapstone Valley Park sanitary sewer system has exceeded its design life and is in need of rehabilitation. Through this project, DC Water will rehabilitate aging sewer infrastructure within Soapstone Valley Park while limiting disturbances to park resources.

The EA described a No Action Alternative and a Trenchless Alternative (DC Water’s Preferred Alternative) for the proposed project and identified and evaluated the impacts on natural and historic resources from implementing these alternatives. The NPS has selected the Trenchless Alternative for the project.

The proposed project will involve the following: (more…)


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