parks

Klingle Valley Trail “the first time the city has converted a road into a trail just for bicyclists and pedestrians”

By Prince Of Petworth

Check out this cool video Eric Fidler posted to Twitter:

From a press release:

“Mayor Bowser cut the ribbon on the new Klingle Valley Trail and celebrated by leading the trail’s inaugural community walk/ride. The event showcased the new trail that stretches from Woodley Park through Cleveland Park and Mount Pleasant and connects to Rock Creek Park. The Mayor was joined by Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh, District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Leif Dormsjo, the Klingle Valley Trail project team, Washington Area Bicyclist Association representatives, and community members.

“Back in 2015, we started this project with two goals in mind: turn a washed-out roadway into a beautiful, new trail, and protect Klingle Valley from traffic and pollution,” said Mayor Bowser. “Today, the Klingle Valley Trail, our first road-to-trail project, offers a safe route for bikers and walkers to connect through our Northwest neighborhoods and into Rock Creek Park, and its updated, sustainable infrastructure means we will be able to enjoy this new trail for years to come.” (more…)

Mark It – 2017 Lotus & Water Lily Festival is July 15th!

By Prince Of Petworth

From NPS:

“Experience diverse cultures and stunning beauty at the annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival, July 15-22, 2017. Join the National Park Service for the festival kickoff on Saturday, July 15, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the natural wetlands of Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens.

See spectacular 3-foot-tall lotuses and vibrantly colored lilies during peak bloom at the only national park focused on growing aquatic plants. Celebrate culture, nature and community with live music and dancing performances, lotus tea tasting, gardening workshops, live animal programs and many more activities that highlight Latin, Asian and African traditions. (more…)

After 80 ducklings found deceased the “Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to be Drained, Cleaned” Starting Sunday

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Ian Livingston

Welp.

From NPS:

“The National Park Service will drain the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool starting Sunday, June 11 for cleaning and treatment of a water-borne parasite that has affected the local duck population. The pool should be refilled and operational again on Monday, June 19.

Beginning May 20 and 21, approximately 80 ducklings have been found deceased in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Necropsy performed on the ducks by the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center suggests the cause of death was high levels of parasites that develop and grow in snails that live in the pool. Chemical treatments alone are not sufficient to fully reduce the parasite and snail population, so the pool must be drained and cleaned. (more…)

East Potomac Pool “Any idea what is going on here/why it’s closed?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user nici161

“Dear Popville,

I just went to East Potomac Pool and it was closed and empty. Someone else who showed up confused said it was open last weekend. Although the DCPR website says it’s open, a mysterious tweet was dropped that says it’s closed for the season.

Any idea what is going on here/why it’s closed?”

From 2015:

“The existing pool and deck was built in 1935 and has exceeded its life cycle of 75 years.”

You can read some background on why extensive renovations were needed here.

Saturday: “Skate, bike, run or hike your way into Anacostia Park along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail in celebration of National Trails Day”

By Prince Of Petworth


courtesy National Parks Service

From a press release:

“Skate, bike, run or hike your way into Anacostia Park along the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail in celebration of National Trails Day. On June 3, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Anacostia Park will host a National Trails Day event that is fun for the whole family.

Start your excursion at the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion in Anacostia Park (D.C.) or at Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Bladensburg, Md. and enjoy “pit stops” along the way! With about 20 miles of scenic trail between both starting points, visitors that can make it to both ends and collect stamps or stickers from each pit stop win a FREE prize! (more…)

“Will this meshwork keep the rats from burrowing?”

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Charles for sending:

“Around Dupont Circle today. Azaleas, hydrangeas, & some other kind of bushes. First I thought: new homes for the rats. Then I saw they were putting wire mesh first & then making holes in the mesh to put the plants through before covering the mesh with some soil. Will this meshwork keep the rats from burrowing? Won’t the rats just dig under at the edges?”

Well That was a Tease

By Prince Of Petworth

fountains

Thanks to all who’ve been emailing and tweeting us about Meridian Hill Park’s fountains no longer working. Looked like we were getting an early start this year. Alas NPS tells me:

“We are currently working with a contractor to repair a section of the piping for the fountains.”

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