parks

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.

Dear PoP – “Why is this water fountain broken? Maybe the concession stand next to it?”

By Prince Of Petworth


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 – District Dept of the Env Closed the 11th and Monroe Park

By Prince Of Petworth

“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.

Groundbreaking of Upshur Dog Park

By Prince Of Petworth


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 – “Park View Park” Looking Great

By Prince Of Petworth

“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!

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