parks

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

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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.”

Heads Up: “The National Park Service will conduct temporary closures of Lafayette Park” for Upgrades

By Prince Of Petworth

Lafayette-Park-Irrigation-Phasing

From the Treasury Department:

“Lafayette Park Closures

The National Park Service will conduct temporary closures of Lafayette Park in staggered phases for planned irrigation system, turf upgrades, and fountain renovations until November 30. Fencing and signs will indicate the off limit areas of the park. Pedestrians will still be able to access the sidewalks along Pennsylvania Avenue, H Street, Madison Place and Jackson Place.”

But don’t stop making signs:

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Joe Flood

Top 10 Metro Accessible Running Trails in DC according to Park Van Ness

By Prince Of Petworth

From Park Van Ness:

“Washington, DC is a beautiful city for runners to explore. For athletes who are looking for softer turf, the district is full of national parks with excellent running routes. Take a look at the top 10 metro-accessible running trails in the DMV.” (map after the jump – it was affecting some folks who have older browsers.) (more…)

Parking Meters coming to the National Mall

By Prince Of Petworth

parking meters
Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr.TinDC

From the National Parks Service:

“The National Park Service has awarded a contract to Parkeon, USA, to install parking meters on streets and parking areas on the National Mall. Installation of the 90 multi-space pay stations will begin on or about May 1, with operation and enforcement of the meters scheduled for June 12. The new metered parking will create more frequent turnover of limited parking spaces; encourage the use of public transit; and provide revenue to create and improve affordable visitor transportation.

Parking costs under the new metered system will be $2 per hour, and will be in effect from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily (including weekends and holidays). Pay stations will accept credit cards and debit cards; payment can also be made via the Parkmobile app or website. The District of Columbia’s Department of Public Works parking enforcement officers will enforce the meters. (more…)

Mesmerized by Rock Creek Park

By Prince Of Petworth

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I’m aware it may just be me but I found these exposed roots fascinating. Though probably not too good for the tree long term…

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Also these woodpecker(?) holes:

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Firm that did New York City’s High Line picked to develop the Georgetown Canal Plan

By Prince Of Petworth

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From a press release (h/t Bradley Peniston):

“Georgetown Heritage has selected James Corner Field Operations, the celebrated urban design and landscape architecture firm known for New York City’s High Line, to develop the Georgetown Canal Plan, a comprehensive master plan for a one-mile section of the Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP) in Georgetown. The National Park Service (NPS), Georgetown Heritage, and the D.C. Office of Planning will work with the community to restore, reimagine and revitalize this treasured historic place. (more…)

Well This is Terrible. Or is it? Carter Barron Amphitheatre closed for repairs, possibly up to 5 years

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo of Lynda Carter by Pablo Raw

For folks who were bummed about the changes implemented last year, look away! Though perhaps this is a good opportunity to reasses the under utilization of Carter Barron and maybe this’ll come out better all around when repairs are made.

From NPS:

“As the result of a recent structural assessment, the National Park Service has determined that the Carter Barron Amphitheatre stage has structural deficiencies and cannot safely support the weight of performances. This means there will not be concerts or other performances at the Carter Barron this summer.

We know how much the community loves the Carter Barron, and we are working to get it back in action as soon as possible. We invite you to join us for concerts at Fort Dupont Park’s Summer Theatre while we address this important safety issue.

We will continue to share information as we have it. Updates will be posted here on our website.

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Which option are you pursuing, and why?

We investigated options, including short- and long-term repairs, and determined that rehabilitating the stage (Option 3) is the best choice. This option would ensure that the amphitheatre meets all current codes and is accessible for all, and it would last for 75 to 100 years.

We remain committed to finding solutions to preserve this amphitheatre and will keep you informed as we move forward.”

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