parks

DC Finally Resolves the Meridian Hill vs Malcolm X Park Debate

By Prince Of Petworth

Perhaps because I’m a bit masochistic I’ve always enjoyed reading people’s opinions on whether or not the park is called Malcolm X or Meridian Hill. Basically the national park service calls it Meridian Hill (which is the technical official name because NPS owns the land) but long time residents as well as the city have generally referred to it as Malcolm X park. The debate has gotten rather contentious and heated at times. As a result I have always referred to it as the Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park. I nearly fell over when I saw the above city sign city sign on U St, NW. At long last, a compromise!

By the by the park (between 15th and 16th St, NW and Euclid and W/Florida Ave) is looking beautiful. Fountains stay on until mid-Nov.

Update on 11th and Monroe St, NW Park Renovations

By Prince Of Petworth

Last we heard the park was closed in late August due to lead contamination. Following is an update from Donny Gonzalez, Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization:

Regarding the 11th and Monroe construction schedule, looks like we are tentatively scheduled to begin visible work “moving dirt” in late January, weather permitting. The proposed schedule is as follows:

– Procure design services by end of October.
– Receive construction design by end of November
– Obtain necessary permits between December – End of January
– Procure Builder / Construction (approx 60 days to complete) between Late Jan / Early Feb through end of April or early May.

Right now, the park is currently closed due to low levels of lead contamination that came from building construction near by. The DC Department of the Environment (DDOE) placed a stop work order on that project and is currently negotiating a settlement with the developer to abate the contamination. We are looking at several options to mitigate the contaminated area keeping the construction timeline in mind.

As I understand it, DDOE expects the area to be abated within 30 days or so. Please note that the schedule I have provided is not meant to be exact, it is to give you an idea of the proposed schedule, but it is subject to change. This is the latest plan of action from OPEFM to develop your neighborhood park. We will make every attempt to stick to this schedule and to deliver it in a timely manner.

Protest Benches Gone – Triangle Space at 14th and Oak, NW Bulldozed – Renovations Underway

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

What’s up with the little triangle shaped park at Oak and 14th? As of yesterday it’s blocked off with a chain link fence, the kind they use for construction sites.”

This is the park that had the protest benches. We spoke about the renovation plans here and here.

To see a bigger version of the rendering click here – dpr_14_oak_ogden_concept_201003

Dear PoP – The Yards Park is Awesome!

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I was down at the kick-off concert Saturday at The Yards — what a fantastic place. There was an art show going on, live bands, food, etc. I will send some pictures.”

Some folks have already mentioned how impressed they were with the new park but I wanted to share this sweet photos from the opening ceremonies this past weekend.

More photos after the jump. (more…)

The 5pm Post – Grand Opening of The Yards Park

By Prince Of Petworth


Photos Courtesy of Vikrum Aiyer and the office of the Mayor

This looks awesome! Between this and the Georgetown waterfront development we’re finally getting some sweet river front options. From a press release from the office of the Mayor:

Nestled between Nationals Park and the historic Navy Yard, The Yards provides residents with additional outdoor green space along the water to visit and enjoy. The new park includes a public marina, a terraced riverfront performance venue, a quarter-mile long boardwalk with shops and eateries and a biking and jogging trail.

“The Park at the Yards is one of the key pieces in demonstrating the District’s commitment to the work of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative,” said Deputy Mayor Santos. “It re-affirms Washington, D.C.’s place on the world’s stage of the best waterfront cities and will expand the ability of all District residents to partake in the beauty and vitality of the Anacostia River.”

The new waterfront park is just one part of The Yards, the largest economic development project currently under construction in the District. The $1.5 billion plan calls for 5.5 million square feet of retail, housing, office and civic space on 42 acres of land along the Anacostia River. With the participation of the District, the U.S. federal government, Forest City Washington and MacFarlane Partners, The Yards will include 2,800 units of residential and affordable housing, 1.8 million square feet of office space and 400,000 square feet of retail space. Phase 1 of The Yards is slated for completion in 2013.

Lots of great activities this weekend. From Capitol Riverfront BID:

“I’d like to let you know about the YARDS PARK GRAND OPENING on Friday, Sept. 10- Sunday, Sept. 12th. The Yards Park, DC’s new waterfront destination and a centerpiece of the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, opens to the public for a weekend celebration. The Yards Park is like no other place in the region and offers the DC Region a new destination to enjoy the outdoors and the river. The Yards Park is 5.5 acres, which is the size of about four football fields, and cost $30 million. The Park design reads as a series of unique rooms—from the great lawn to the sculptural bridge, the waterfall/canal basin to the overlook and terraced steps– and provides for a variety of experiences within the Park.

The free event includes a variety of live bands on the boardwalk stage including 3 under the Eighteenth Street Lounge label and the local Red Lobster Buffet band; children’s activities such as a ship moonbounce, face painting, balloon hat making, crafts, a rock climbing wall, and more on Saturday; ArtWhino Beautiful Minds exhibit; beer gardens by Capitol City Brewery; free VIDA fitness classes on Saturday; Trapeze School demos; fireworks; doggie social and contests and much more!”

More photos including a full list of weekend activities plus a rendering of the completed project after the jump. (more…)

Dear PoP – Alcohol in Parks?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I don’t know how much you know about parks and recreation, but essentially, I’m helping putting together an adult Field Day event at a Park and I’m curious as to the alcohol consumption laws within public parks that have been rented for the day. The Parks and Recreations office is difficult to get in touch with, and although I eventually will consult with them, I wanted to reach out to you and see if you have had prior experience/knowledge with situations such as this. If you get a chance, hit me back and let me know if you have any insight on the situation.”

I’ve actually got a question like this quite a few times. The easy answer is that alcohol is not allowed in any DC Parks. Having said that, obviously people have snuck it in on many occasions. Sadly the nickname for the park at 11th and Monroe St, NW is the “Drunk Park”. On normal days I’d say it is not a good idea to bring alcohol into the park. However, I’m intrigued that the Park is going to be rented out. I wasn’t even aware that one could rent out a park. Even so, I’d imagine the liability would not permit drinking in the park.

Unofficially, I think there is a big difference between responsible and irresponsible drinking at a park. For example the drinking at jazz in the sculpture garden seems to be respectful and under control. If you have a bunch of people getting wasted or passing out, even if they are adults, it is not appropriate in a park or anywhere in public in my opinion.

What do you guys think – should drinking be allowed in a park if the park is rented out for an event and is for adults only?

Dear PoP – What’s Going on at Upshur Park?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Do you have any idea what’s going on at Upshur Park? The entire playground and the open field to the south have been completely fenced off. (This is completely on the other side of the park from where the new dog park is going in) Its a great neighborhood gathering place and its sad to think the playground will be unavailable this lovely Labor Day Weekend.”

Hmm, I just assumed that was part of the new Dog Park construction. But it kinda looks like they’re just reseeding the grass. I’ve put out some inquiries and I’ll update when I hear back from folks. Anyone else happen to know what this project is?

North Columbia Heights Green Taking Shape

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve been getting a few emails from folks about the development in the alley behind 11th St, NW b/w Lamont and Park. This is the North Columbia Heights Green that we spoke about a while ago. It has really progressed nicely. The Washington Parks folks write:

“After extensive challenges with dumping, engineering, permits, and debris removal, the North Columbia Heights Green project is now at last completing Phase II, with new grading and fencing now all in place. Now comes the fun part– installing the gardens and site furnishings! We have an exciting Fall ahead toward the implementation of our sustainable Green for the community.”

Also some parking spots were added:

And the future green space has been defined:

This is an amazing improvement! More details and a rendering after the jump. (more…)

Old Gage-Eckington School Park Breaks Ground in LeDroit Park Wed. Morning

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for sending in some photos. From a press release:

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) Valerie Santos and Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Director Jesús Aguirre joined the LeDroit Park Civic Association and Ward 1 residents to break ground on a new public park at 2025 3rd Street, NW.

“The design and creation of this park is a true collaboration between the District and dedicated community members like those of the LeDroit Park Civic Association,” said Mayor Fenty. “This park is a fantastic example of how we can all work together to create open recreational spaces that truly serve the surrounding community.”

“This park will be a great addition to the already rich history of the LeDroit Park community,” said Deputy Mayor Santos. “The activity that will be generated in this dynamic green space will join the great work being done by the staff and volunteers of the Common Good City Farm at this space since the Fall of 2008.”

When completed in January 2011, the $1.5 million, 112, 000 square foot park will boast the following:

o Multi-use playing field
o Dog park
o Children’s garden
o Jogging and walking path
o Rain garden and botanical plazas
o Playground areas for ages 3-6, 7-12
o Garden plots

The site was once home to the Gage-Eckington Elementary School which was closed in 2008. The District worked with the community since that time to determine a positive re-use of the land. DMPED contributed $1.5 million towards the park and awarded an additional $100,000 grant to the LeDroit Park Civic Association and Common Good Farm for the creation and maintenance of the community garden on-site.

Dear PoP – Historic Grave Found in Rock Creek Park

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

While my dog and I were hiking in Rock Creek Park this weekend — not far from where Military Road and Beach Drive come together — we stumbled upon this historic gravestone just a few yards off the main trail. It has a cross etched in at the top, along with the letters “F.P.S.” and the date “Nov. 15, 1888″.

I sent a note to the Park Service to see if they knew about this one, and am still waiting to hear back.”

Very cool. Anyone know the history behind graves in Rock Creek Park? I’ve heard there is a proper cemetery as well.

View More Stories