“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?
From Rock Creek Conservancy:
“Spring has officially sprung, and Rock Creek Conservancy invites you to get outside and clean up your favorite parks during the 11th Annual Extreme Cleanup. The main event will take place between 10 AM and 4 PM on April 13th with satellite cleanups occurring every weekend throughout April.
Every year, the Extreme Cleanup mobilizes thousands of people to remove litter from more than 70 sites along the 33-mile length of Rock Creek in conjunction with Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Annual Potomac Watershed Cleanup Day. The goal is a total people-powered stream cleanup of Rock Creek and its tributaries. (more…)
Like the fountains, unfortunately this is a question we discuss annually.
“Dear PoPville,
Is there an update on the fencing/grass revitalization of the southern half of the mall in Meridian Hill Park? A couple years ago, NPS fenced off the northern half of the mall and the grass made a comeback, but this year neighborhood dog owners have been using the fenced off area as a dog park and the area has become more of a dirt pit than it already was. It would be nice to have grass up there again, so more people could enjoy the park.
Although it’s unclear, it seems like the plan was to fence off the southern half to minimize foot traffic so the grass could come back; it also seems unlikely that NPS intended to make the area a dog park, considering that signs in the park say dogs are required to be on a leash at all times. But, until NPS prevents dog owners from letting their dogs off leash within the fenced area, I don’t see how the grass will have a chance to take root again.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user bajidc
“Dear PoPville,
My organization would like to have a summer gathering at a DC park where we can grill. Are there any good options beside Rock Creek park? We’d like to be metro accessible if possible.
We have done Virginia Highlands park in Pentagon City in the past, but wanted to be in DC proper this year. Thanks!”
C’mon House!!
From a press release:
“The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced that the U.S. Senate today passed a federal lands package that contains Norton’s bill that clarifies that the District of Columbia and the National Park Service (NPS) have the authority to enter into cooperative management agreements (CMAs) to maintain and operate NPS properties in the District, such as Franklin Park. The Senate lands package was introduced by Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Last Congress, Norton and Murkowski introduced the stand-alone versions of the D.C.-NPS CMA bill. The rehabilitation of Franklin Park would be funded through a public-private partnership between NPS, the D.C. government and the Downtown Business Improvement District. Under current federal law, NPS has the authority to enter into CMAs with states and cities, and Norton’s bill makes clear that D.C. is included under this authority. (more…)
300 Van Buren Street, NW
Given the weather and the need for more indoor activities, this is great news. Thanks to DPR for sharing with us yesterday:
“Maintenance has been completed for Takoma Aquatic Center and it reopened today!”
From a press release:
“Norton Announces Senate Lands Package Includes Her Bill to Allow D.C. to Work with NPS to Make Improvements to Franklin Park
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced that a federal lands package introduced by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) contains Norton’s bill that clarifies that the District of Columbia and the National Park Service (NPS) have the authority to enter into cooperative management agreements (CMAs) to maintain and operate NPS properties in the District, such as Franklin Park. Last Congress, Murkowski introduced the Senate companion to Norton’s bill. The rehabilitation of Franklin Park would be funded through a public-private partnership between NPS, the D.C. government and the Downtown Business Improvement District. (more…)
2630 Adams Mill Rd NW Walter Pierce Park from Calvert Street entrance
“Dear PoPville,
I wanted to share a disturbing exchange I had this morning at the Walter Pierce Dog Park. I’m a half Chinese woman in my 30s. I was there around 8:00am when a man walks in with a throwing stick and kicks a park toy near my dog while making kissing sounds. Something is immediately off (his posture, the way he’s looking at my dog) and I glance around and see he is not accompanied by his own dog. (more…)