parks

Yup, Folks Really Did Get Stuck on Top of the Washington Monument Saturday Afternoon.

By Prince Of Petworth

At 1:25pm Cassandra wrote us: “Hey @PoPville we’re stuck at the top of the Washington monument. Broken elevator. No end in sight.”

Folks were understandable incredulous.

Charles emailed us the photo above: “I wish I was kidding. Elevator issues strike again.”

The Washington Post quoted and NPS spokesman:

“Normal operations resumed after about an hour,” Litterst said. He said tours were on schedule, and he apologized for the inconvenience.”

Charles tells me that they were originally told they’d be taking the stairs down but they were able to finally get the elevator working again.

The Washington Monument reopened this past Thursday, “after a 37-month closure to modernize the elevator control system and construct a new security screening facility.

The re-opening of the Washington Monument is another example of how the Trump Administration is enhancing visitors’ experiences at national parks and public lands by better meeting critical infrastructure and maintenance needs.”

“The cascades have been off and on since last Friday.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Any idea what’s going on with the fountain and pond at Meridian Hill Park? The cascades have been off and on since last Friday. Since Sunday evening the water has been sitting stagnant. The water is turning a bright green (see pictures below). It seems like the perfect place for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Unless of course the Park service has been treating the water but it doesn’t appear that way.” (more…)

Check Out the East Potomac/Hains Point Pool Construction

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to John for sending:

“The delays have irritated lots of people, but the scope of work to reconstruct the pool and pool house might cause many to rethink their frustration, especially considering the rain deluge last year and apparent utility complications.”

Ed. Note: “The opening of East Potomac Pool is currently scheduled for summer of 2020.”

“The National Park Service (NPS) invites D.C. residents to a community discussion about the future of Fort Reno Park”

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“The National Park Service (NPS) invites D.C. residents to a community discussion Saturday, September 7th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Wilson High School Auditorium about the future of Fort Reno Park, at which they will outline plans for various initiatives slated for the coming year.

They will also hold breakout sessions on opportunities for education and interpretation (wayfinders, signs, elements to bring out the history) in the park, recreation and programming (concerts, lectures, etc.) and upkeep, maintenance and site safety. (more…)

Doggie Day Swim Scheduled for Saturday September 7th!

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user akung

From DPR’s Doggie Day Swim:

“Saturday, September 7th at 12pm

THREE LOCATIONS!
Upshur Pool, Randall Pool & Francis Pool

Secure a spot

With the end of the outdoor swimming season, this annual event provides dogs with a one-day opportunity to jump in the pools, enjoy a swim and play fun aquatics games.

Admission is free, however all dogs must have a valid and original DC Department of Health (DOH) issued dog license (no photo copies) and tag to enter the pool. (more…)

“What’s in the Water?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Above: Boulder Bridge spans Rock Creek in Rock Creek Park. For many DC residents, this urban oasis provides a natural respite from the city. However, high bacteria levels from raw sewage and stormwater runoff challenge the health of the creek to the surprise of many visitors. Photo credit: Rock Creek Conservancy | Katy Cain

Recently, a Washington Post article confirmed what Rock Creek Conservancy has long known: there is a lot of work to be done to restore Rock Creek. While significant infrastructure upgrades and federal and local funding have been invested in the Anacostia watershed, the Rock Creek watershed remains in need of assistance.

A Tale of Two Sewers

The volunteer-driven bacteria monitoring project provides practical, week-by-week insights into high levels of bacteria in Rock Creek. So, where does all of this bacteria come from? (more…)

You Can Go Night Fishing on the Tidal Basin next Thursday August 22nd

By Prince Of Petworth

From the DC Department of Energy and Environment:

“Your chance to see what fish might bite under moonlight!

Join DC’s Department of Energy & Environment, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and FishingCommunity.org for an evening of fishing along the Tidal Basin!

Thursday, August 22
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This event is free to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. (more…)

A Dark Day “DPR Announces 2019 Outdoor Pools and Spray Parks Closure Schedule”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user C JRCook

Ed. Note: Stay tuned for details on the coming doggie day swim.

From DPR:

“The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has released the outdoor aquatic facilities closure schedule for the 2019 summer season.

Outdoor pools will close in waves beginning on Sunday, August 11, 2019. Pools will close for the season at 6 p.m. on their respective Sundays; with the exception of Banneker Pool, Francis Pool, Langdon Park Pool, Oxon Run Pool, and Rosedale Pool, which will close 6 p.m. on Monday, September 2, 2019 (Labor Day). (more…)

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