Given the summer we’ve been having this addition is a lifesaver!
parks
Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota
“Dear PoP,
See this water fountain in the shadow of the Washington Monument – why is it consistently broken? Could it be that the fountain is also in the shadow of the National Park Service snack and drink stand?”
I’m all for conspiracy theories but I gotta think the water fountain is just broken. Or am I being too naive? Have you guys noticed whether or not most water fountains work in the Park System? I feel like most of the ones I’ve tried to use are broken regardless if they are near a concession stand or not. It def. is frustrating though…
“Dear PoP,
Apparently on Friday (I was out of town Fri–Sun but hear this from a neighbor) there was demo work being done on the building one up from the northeast corner of 11th and Monroe NW. They failed to properly seal the building and some nasty dust flew out as a result, coating the alley running perpendicular to Monroe between 13th and 11th. Enough of this got into the park at 11th and Monroe that the District Department of the Environment closed it down for testing.
It’s lead that they’ve determined is in the area. Anyone who has visited the park or lives nearby can get tested at some place around 14th and Girard. I haven’t heard back from DDOE, but apparently they’ve had lots of folks at the site during the day. Hopefully other people have better info. I got back home late tonight so most of the folks who hang out in the park (and who are now displaced onto the sidewalk) had gone home and no one was sitting on the stoop with news.
I don’t know if you know anything about the building in question (one unit up on the east side of 13th, north of Monroe), but it’s been empty/boarded up since I moved into the area in November. I’d say the rumor is that it was the cause of the contamination, but I haven’t heard that from anyone 100% in the know.”
Crazy, I saw the testing truck driving away down 11th St, NW last night. Thanks to all who sent emails about this.
Photo by Vikrum Aiyer
From a press release:
“Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Director Jesús Aguirre joined the Friends of 16th Street Heights, Ward 4 residents and dog enthusiasts for a groundbreaking of Upshur Dog Park, 4300 Arkansas Avenue.
“We are excited to begin work on this exciting new dog park,” said Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. “The dog park program is a great example of public-private partnerships that leads to additional resources and activities for all residents.”
DPR Director Jesús Aguirre stated, “DPR is proud to continue to build dogs parks across the District of Columbia. The groundbreaking of Upshur Dog Park is a landmark moment for pet owners in Ward 4 as they will soon be able to enjoy their first official dog park.”
The new 9,000 square foot dog park will be in ADA-compliance and boasts:
* Fencing and gates
* Landscaping
* A tool shed
* Benches and picnic tables
* A dog fountain and water bowls
When completed in October 2010, the $286,000 park will be maintained by a partnership between DPR and the Friends of 16th Street Heights, the sponsoring community organization.”
Photo by Vikrum Aiyer
“Dear PoP,
We’re not sure of the name of the new park on Georgia between Irving and Columbia, but it was hopping tonight and we thought you might like to see the pictures. They closed at 7pm, but the groundskeeper assured us that once they finish all the landscaping, the plan is for it to be open until 9pm.”
I was excited last week when we saw grass going in. But this exceeds my expectations. Hard to believe it looked like this not too long ago. Nice work!
Anyone hear what’s shaking down at McPherson Square? New benches? New turf?
Yesterday I reader wrote in asking about the status of the Gage-Eckington park project in Ledroit Park. I’m afraid there is bad news to share. A number of readers have forwarded me an email from CM Jim Graham titled ‘CM Barry up to no good– Gage-Eckington Park Disapproval Filed’:
This is an outrage, and a totally needless delay in a very worthwhile project. We need this project to go forward, because of the recreational and park benefits it will bring to the entire community, and most definitely including all of the kids at Kelly Miller.
I will speak to him, though I suspect it will be to no avail. Perhaps also Chairman Gray (copied herein) can approach him?
I think LeDroit Park should descend on him en masse. What do you think?
Are you ready for the revolution residents of Ledroit Park?
“Dear PoP,
I’m finally feeling excited about the progress of this park… I’d been desperately waiting for some greenspace here!”
This is the old Bruce Monroe School site. You can see some playground equipment in the background as well. Wow, this is wild.
“Dear PoP,
I am looking for some sunny spots where I can relax and picnic with friends and get some sun. Any suggestions? I spent a lot of time in NYC and loved how everyone just lounges around Central Park or Prospect Park as if they were sitting by a pool. :) I live in Petworth and so far the closest I could find was Rock Creek Park but it seems so full of activities that there’s not much room for lounging….”
One of my absolute favorites is Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park “bordered by 16th, Euclid, 15th, and W Streets. It is a 12 acre site situated on an almost perfect north-south axis” in Columbia Heights. While it is much smaller, if you liked Prospect Park you will love this one too. And if you just have a few friends, you can always go to some of the pocket parks or Grant Circle where the Beautiful Life was born. Though, if you have a car you can sample some other great parks all over town.
There’s Lincoln Park on Capital Hill, the National Arboretum at 3501 New York Avenue, NE, the Franciscan Monastery in Brookland and dozens of others really. So what do you guys think – what’s your favorite sunny spot or park in DC?
“Dear PoP,
Notice the (seemingly) shared space between all the houses on the 100 block of U and V? Any idea what’s going on? I’ll be honest – my mind’s a little bit blown.”
You have found Bloomingdale’s hidden gem – Crispus Attucks Park. My mind was equally blown when I found it. You can see a few more photos here.