16th Street between Euclid and W Streets NW
Thanks to Terry for always passing on the latest from the National Park Service:
“…it does not look like the funding for this project will be available until at least the 2027 Fiscal Year. We are anxious to get the fountain repaired as well, but unfortunately we do not have the funding for it at this time.” (more…)
There was a time… photo from 2007 by Chris Campbell
Rough report from Politico:
“Nearly 780 people were fired at the National Park Service, said one person briefed on the administration’s call with park superintendents. The NPS may have to cancel tours and possibly close visitor centers if they don’t have probationary employees in place on Monday, this person said.”
Don’t think that bodes for finding funding to fix the fountain :(
I guess we better enjoy that new armillary sphere…
From the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a bill to expand the mission of the National Park Service (NPS) to include active use of NPS parks in urban areas in addition to preservation. The idea for the bill came from a George Washington University report that examined strategies to create a more activated park system in D.C., which noted that NPS parks in D.C. are “inconsistently managed and inequitably maintained” and “do not meet the needs of people who both live near and experience the park system as a part of their daily lives.”
“NPS’s primary mission is to preserve spaces for the enjoyment of future generations. This noble mission was crafted for the purpose of wilderness preservation, allowing nature to remain untouched by time. However, this mission is ill-suited for the unique needs of NPS neighborhood parks,” Norton said. “This bill would expand the mission of NPS to include the promotion of active use of its parks located in urban areas. Active use prioritizes current enjoyment by people and improves quality of life, including with playgrounds, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly infrastructure, sports and recreation facilities, community events, and programming for public holiday celebrations.”
Norton’s introductory statement follows. (more…)
via NPS
Update from NPS about the Rock Creek Park Horse Center:
“The National Park Service (NPS) is striving to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Rock Creek Park Horse Center. While NPS and Guest Services, Inc. (GSI) are in discussions about the possibility of GSI stepping away from its concessions contract, no decisions or timelines have been set. (more…)
photo by Eric P.
Update from NPS:
“The National Park Service (NPS) is striving to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Rock Creek Park Horse Center. While NPS and Guest Services, Inc. (GSI) are in discussions about the possibility of GSI stepping away from its concessions contract, no decisions or timelines have been set. The Horse Center remains open, and we are actively exploring future operational options to ensure it continues to serve the community. We understand the importance of this facility and will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
“Dear PoPville, (more…)
Update: This is the Noyes Armillary Sphere we spoke about coming back in October 2018.
Still waiting on funding for the fountain BUT
Thanks to Mike for sending: “this new sculpture being installed in Meridian Hill Park.”
Another photo: (more…)
Ed. Note: NPS donates hundreds of pounds of venison to DC Central Kitchen.
From the National Park Service:
“The National Park Service must balance the needs of all animals and plants in Rock Creek Park. Research has shown that vegetation damage occurs when deer populations exceed 20 per square mile. Reducing the deer population is needed to allow regeneration in a healthy, diverse forest that supports native vegetation and wildlife, including deer. The National Park Service uses an adaptive management approach that is flexible based on how deer and vegetation populations respond. Since 2013, when NPS began reducing the deer population in Rock Creek Park, the park’s tree seedling density has more than doubled.
Without continued management, deer populations would quickly rebound and eat nearly all tree seedlings and other plants before they could grow. (more…)
photo by Phil
Allison with the PSA:
“I did not know that in the year of our lord 2024 I would need to ask you to remind people that especially when we are low on rain IT IS A VERY BAD IDEA TO THROW CIGARETTE BUTTS INTO THE WOODS IN ROCK CREEK PARK“
3000 Georgia Ave, NW between Irving and Columbia Road, NW
“Dear PoPville,
Over the last couple of years Bruce Monroe park has become a pole of attraction for drugs and crime. Last year, the play area was vandalized. This year, the fence has been taken down already twice, presumably to obtain access after hours (see picture above). There is always a lot of trash scattered on the ground. It is not unusual to see people using drugs, and a few months ago someone died of overdose.
The situation, already regrettable, (more…)
From a press release:
“The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Building Bridges Across the River announced the 11th Street Bridge Park was awarded a $15 million grant from the Department of the Interior Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program (ORLP). The grant, focused on park projects in underserved communities, marks a significant milestone by securing the full $92 million needed for the construction of the 11th Street Bridge Park. (more…)
Brian Joyner via NPS
From the National Park Service:
“The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Brian Joyner as the new superintendent of Rock Creek Park. He previously served as the park’s deputy superintendent.
“Brian excels at engaging local communities and managing complex projects,” acting Regional Director Lisa Mendelson said. “With over 20 years of National Park Service experience, he is a champion for connecting people to the diverse and underrepresented stories inherent in national parks. All this, and Brian’s passion for public history and conservation, makes him well-suited to lead Rock Creek Park.”
“As a DC native, (more…)