parks

Park(ing) Day is Tomorrow – Friday, Sept. 20

By Prince Of Petworth

8020595486_5034a4285f_z
Photo of last year’s Park(ing) Day courtesy of Casey Trees

From Casey Trees:

“This year’s installation will be within 3 big parking spaces at the corners of 1700 K St. NW & 17th, sandwiched within a block of both the Farragut North & West metros. We’re urging passersby to reassess their relationships with green space, and remind them of how important they are in an urban environment – and of course, the importance of trees in those spaces. We’d love to encourage you to open up a discussion about the installation itself or the general movement on your channels, whether social or real-time, and even come downtown to see us – we’ll be at our location from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm!”

You can see a map of all of tomorrow’s locations from DDOT here.

Meridian Hill Fountains To Be Drained Next Week

By Prince Of Petworth

meridian_hill_park_fountain
Photo by PoPville flickr user clif_burns

Thanks to @Mr_Darling for finding out:

“Just got got confirmation [fountains at Meridian Hill Park to be turned off for the season] it’s the week of September 16th.”

This year the fountains got filled slightly later than in previous years due to budget constraints. And in previous years the fountains have remained filled until November. So unfortunately this is the last weekend to enjoy the great view until next year!

Franklin Park to be Transformed Downtown, Public Meeting October 2

By Prince Of Petworth

IMG_4901

From DC Office of Planning:

“The DC Office of Planning (OP) in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), the District Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), and the Downtown Business Improvement District (Downtown BID) announced today the launch of a collaborative comprehensive planning process to revitalize Franklin Park. At 4.79 acres, it is one of the largest parks in downtown Washington, DC.

Franklin Park is located between K and I Streets, NW and 13th and 14th Streets, NW in downtown Washington, DC and is owned by NPS. The park sits within the rapidly growing neighborhood of Center City DC that has seen a 31.6% increase in population over the last 10 years. Currently the park does not meet the diverse needs of neighborhood residents, workers or visitors; however, there is the potential to transform Franklin Park into one of our nation’s premier urban parks. To realize this dramatic transformation, OP and its partners will investigate options for increasing recreational opportunities, adding services such as food and restrooms, increasing events and programs, restoring historic resources, incorporating sustainable and ecologically sensitive materials and practices, enhancing surrounding streetscape and transportation connections, and using a public/private partnership to oversee the long-term maintenance and management of the park. (more…)

Next Up in Awesome Playground Renovations – Macomb Playground in Cleveland Park

By Prince Of Petworth

9710654538_81a9594408_z
3409 Macomb Street, NW

Last week we looked at the Takoma Park Playground. This week we have the Macomb Playground from DPR:

“The concept for Macomb links the two separated play spaces, relocates the shaded gazebo to create a more pronounced entry to the space, and includes a new water feature. New stairs and an incline with ropes for climbing connect the upper and lower play area, and new equipment is included throughout the site. A new bright, rubberized surface has a fun herringbone pattern.”

9707414261_75371da434_z

Takoma Park Playground Now Open

By Prince Of Petworth

photo 2
300 Van Buren Street, NW

Next up in awesome playground/rec center renovations – Takoma Park:

“The concept for the new place space at Takoma creates new and exciting opportunities for play and takes advantage of some of the natural topography on the site. New features include a small splash park, skate spot, and area for manipulative play—play using moveable blocks or other structures. The existing play equipment will also be replaced, and new seating and shade features will be added.”

Thanks to Caroline for sending some photos:

photo 1

More photos after the jump. (more…)

Harrison Park Playground and Rec Center Opening Very Soon on V Street UPDATE: Opens Tomorrow Afternoon!

By Prince Of Petworth

IMG_4589

Next up on awesome DPR park renovations – Harrison Playground and rec center:

“The design for Harrison plays on the musical history of neighboring U Street, featuring musical themes in the walkways and play spaces and in a musical instrument-themed mist station, designed to keep kids cool in the summer. In addition to updating the equipment for younger children and older children, DPR and DGS will install a multi-purpose backstop on the small sport court; the backstop includes a soccer goal and a basketball rim! Visitors of all ages will be able to relax on new seating: a seat wall around the water feature and picnic benches under the trees that are currently outside of the fence, but will be included in the space in the redesign.”

DPR tells me that the opening is “literally days away”!

Just got an update from DPR – it’s opening tomorrow afternoon! (more…)

Emergency Meeting Monday 8/19 7:00 pm re: Cobb Park

By Prince Of Petworth

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
2nd/Massachusetts Ave, NW

A reader sends word of an email regarding the growing safety concerns in Cobb Park:

“There’s an emergency meeting Monday at 7:00 pm between the Department of Parks and Recreations, MPD, elected officials, local residents and businesses, and other city officials to discuss the issue. We’ll meet at 7:00 pm in front of the Sonata, at 301 Mass Ave, do a short walk-through of the park and then proceed to the Sonata rooftop to discuss the issue.”

And from the Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association:

“Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association invites residents to discuss the safety/security/sanitation issues surrounding Cobb Park TONIGHT Monday, August 19th.

Mayor’s Office, DC Council, MPD, ANCs, local residents, MVTCID, and city agencies such as DPR, DMH, DHS, and APRA are scheduled to attend.

Date: Monday, August 19th
Time: 7:00pm walk park – meet at 301 Mass lobby
7:15pm meeting – on roof at 301 Mass (rain location at
MVT CID office at 901 4th St NW)”

Dear PoPville – Warning: Flasher in Meridian Hill Park

By Prince Of Petworth

meridian_hill_park_flasher
Photo by PoPville flickr user Jess J

“Dear PoPville,

While walking my dog this morning in Meridian Hill Park a man approached me and proceeded to expose and pleasure himself. I yelled that I would call police he quickly apologized, zipped up and headed out of the park. I contacted the police to report the incident and they confirmed they would contact officers in the area. This occurred on the far side of the park on the stairs closest to 16th Street and Florida. He was last seen heading down Florida towards 17th-18th Street area.

Description:
Hispanic Male
5 ft. 6 in.
Wearing: white tshirt, jean shorts and a navy or black back pack

Just a warning to those in the area, he approached casually, I honestly thought just harmless exchange of pleasantries, before I realized what he was doing.”

Ed. Note: MPD has alerted Park Police as well.

Better Get Your Swimming In! DPR Announces the 2013 Outdoor Pools Closure Schedule

By Prince Of Petworth

dc_public_pool_closing_schedule
Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

From DPR:

“DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) released the Outdoor Aquatic Facilities Closure Schedule for the 2013 summer season, as DPR prepares to bring this year’s swim season to a close. Beginning Sunday, August 11, 2013; DPR will implement the first phase of Outdoor Pool closures.

All Outdoor Pools will close in waves beginning on Sunday, August 11, 2013. Pools will close for the season at 6 pm on their respective Sundays.

All Spray Parks will be closed for the season by 7 pm on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2013, with the exception of the spray park at 14th & Park Rd, which will close for the season at 7 pm on Monday, September 30, 2013.

All Children’s Pools will be closed for the season at 6 pm on Sunday, August 18, 2013.

Below is the comprehensive closure and maintenance schedules for the 2013 season.
Pools are listed by type (Outdoor, Children’s and Spray Park) and then by date.
Please call DPR’s Aquatics office at (202) 671-1289 for additional questions or further assistance.

OUTDOOR AND CHILDREN’S POOLS CLOSURE SCHEDULE (more…)

View More Stories