“Dear PoPville,
My attempts so far, despite including like 3 different agencies, have gone unanswered. It really would be nice to know if there is progress on that part of the trail. It’s been a year.” (more…)
parks
The Soapstone Valley Trail is one of the primary routes I use to go east/west on my Walkabouts. It is looking especially lovely these days and you ought to hit it too from time to time for an easy little hike to restore your soul. It leads right into Rock Creek for even more awesome hikes for those looking for longer excursions.
Have a look: (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
Like many before me, I have dug deep into the history of the McMillan Reservoir and Sand Filtration Site. It’s clear that the Bloomindale community is unlikely to agree on what is best for the future of the sand filtration site. However, I’m wondering what efforts, if any have been made to open a 4-6 acre portion of the McMillan Filter Plant, currently owned and operated by The Army Corps of Engineers?
This 4-6 acre space (pictured in attached images) is located adjacent to and Southwest of the McMillan Reservoir beginning at the corner of 1st and Bryant Streets NW. This site, which is on the opposite, west side of 1st St NW from the sand filtration site, is the original location of McMillan Park where the McMillan Fountain once stood. The site is currently fenced off, apparently for security reasons. The portion of the security fence along 1st St NW and Bryant ST NW could be removed with no security risk to the remaining areas of the McMillan Filter Plant. A new security fence could be installed on the western side of this 4-6 acre field. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user John Cochran
“Dear PoPville,
I just wanted to shoot you a quick note asking if you had heard what’s going on at Rock Creek Golf Course… Apparently they have closed the back 9 indefinitely! I love this course and it’s really tragic to me that it has fallen into such disrepair that they just close half the course because it’s easier (and cheaper) than fixing it. I talked to a couple people at the course yesterday but I couldn’t get a straight answer from anyone about what was going on. Any chance you can help?!”
The National Park Service replied the following to me via email: (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Erinn Shirley
From the National Parks Service:
“Completion of the new security screening building for the Washington Monument has been delayed for mitigation of possibly contaminated soil in the construction area. The modernization of the monument’s elevator is substantially complete, with just final testing and certification of the safety systems remaining.
The potentially contaminated soil is below the ground surface and poses no risk to public health. The soil in question was likely introduced in the 1880s as the monument was being completed. Due to the necessary mitigation efforts, the reopening of the Washington Monument is now expected to take place in August. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user nici161
Thanks to a reader for passing on her query to DGS about the status of the reopening of the East Potomac Pool:
“Thank you for your inquiry about the modernization of East Potomac Pool, which is currently underway. This email is to provide an update regarding the construction and the pool’s opening.
We want to assure you that providing residents and the patrons of the East Potomac Park with a state of the art new pool; pool deck and pool house is our priority.
The opening of East Potomac Pool is currently scheduled for summer of 2020. This is a delay from our previously communicated timeframe of Summer 2019. The new date and time is due to unforeseen construction circumstances during construction.
During construction, our teams faced several unforeseen circumstances, which included the findings of: (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
Regarding the lot that was to become an SLS Hotel at 5th and Eye St NW. I noticed this flyer (above) on the lot. Turning this city owned parking lot into a park would be a great idea.”
Think it’s realistically possible?
5th and I Street, NW currently: (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
Just went for a walk around the tidal basin, and there’s a fence up around the cherry trees. A nice park ranger told me the the trees were in bad shape, and so they were treating and protecting the soil to allow them to recover.
Sounds reasonable, but I wouldn’t want to be on that path this weekend. Something to keep in mind.”
via DC Forest Bathing
“Dear PoPville,
I thought readers might like to hear about some forest bathing events coming up through DC Forest Bathing.
Wait, what’s forest bathing? Isn’t that just a walk in nature? Forest bathing is different. It’s not hiking or jogging or a naturalist talk. Literally, it means taking in the forest atmosphere — bathing in the sense of sunbathing, basking in te feelings. (I.e. no swimsuit required.) It’s exploring the natural environment through our senses. It’s like a bridge between us and the natural world. The health benefits are well-documented: improved immunity, lower cortisol (stress hormones), lower heart rate, improved mood and attention — and more. Going with a guide gives participants a chance to let go of having to “effort” their way into relaxation — someone else keeps you safe, keeps track of time, and gives you a sensory way to explore the woods. (more…)
River Road and Western Ave, NW
“Dear PoPville,
The playground at Ft Bayard has been closed for renovation with no progress since December. I’m getting nowhere trying to find out who to contact for information.”
Ed. Note: Looks like this is run by the National Park Service, in which case Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s office might be the best bet? Anyone know what’s going on here?
