Well, this is odd. There was tons of construction going on at the new 14th and Girard Park. Apparently there has been some chatter about it on the CH listserv. I ran into someone at the site who told me that the electrical, concrete, and bathrooms needed to fixed. As he said – I guess it’s better that they fix it and look a bit silly than not fix it all. And of course there’s been some controversy over renaming it Obama Park. Man, who knew such a little park could stir so much controversy…
There is a time for doubt and a time for hope. This is most definitely a time for hope. When we discussed the park on Friday, some folks were rather skeptical. As I said in the comments there, I believe now is the time to offer the benefit of the doubt and to celebrate and enjoy the nice new facilities. In fact the opening celebration on Saturday afternoon was filled with joy, music, and good vibes.
There was an initial vote also held on Sat. to rename the park. The choices were picked by the “friends of the park” group. Nominees were Jim Graham Park, Mack Thompson Park (a local activist), Obama Park, Capital City Park, or a write in choice. The “winner” will be announced Monday evening. I put winner in quotes because the City Council will still need to pass legislation to officially rename the park. The park is being renamed because folks often confuse this park with the Girard Street Park which, incidentally, was also recently renovated.
A resident familiar with the background tells me:
“With respect to the naming of the park, this ‘friends of’ group established a shortlist for the community. The ANC commissioner for the park is Rosemary Akinmboni, and she agreed that the opening celebration of the park would be a good opportunity to get input from the community regarding the name. The main impetus for the renaming of the park is that there is another park down Girard St. closer to 15th St., which is commonly known as Girard Park. Needless to say, it is obvious how this could be confused with the 14th and Girard Park.”
This morning Mayor Fenty attended a ribbon cutting ceremony but you can join in the celebration on Sat. I took some photos last weekend but will update this weekend. It certainly looks like a really nice upgrade. Glad to see the built in chess boards. And bathrooms too!
More photos and full press release after the jump. (more…)
“Dear PoP,
When are they gonna take down the fence around Meridian Hill Park? The grass there looks to have grown in nicely and the people want to play some soccer.”
This is a great question as the grass seems to be perfect. Anyone know what the parks department is waiting for?
Well, this is absolutely super cool. When I first saw the garden going into the former Gage Eckington School (2025 3rd Street, NW) I had no idea how extensive the plans were for that spot. Let me just say that the garden is looking great:
It is run by Common Good City Farm you can learn lots more about them here.
Rendering maps:
Well folks have been telling me about this park for ages and I always wondered, given all my walkabouts in Bloomingdale, why I never encountered it. Now I know why – it’s only accessible through an alley. I was lucky enough to stop at Big Bear for a coffee and there was a community yard sale being advertised with directions to Crispus Attucks Park. It’s located via the alley between 1st Street and North Captiol and V St and U St. And it is awesome!
I particularly liked the memory garden:
There is a nice bench:
And you get to gaze at this:
Beautiful! Check it out next time you’re wandering around Bloomingdale.
“Dear PoP,
A question for you – if i were playing sports in Rock Creek after sunset, would someone actually kick me out? I grew up in NY where, post-Guiliani, they go around and actually make you leave Central Park after dark. Rock Creek is technically only open during daylight hours but if there’s a big group of us running around at night, do you think anyone would actually do something about it?”
Hmm, that’s a good question. I know there is a contingent of Park police that patrols the grounds but my guess is they’re probably not too likely to kick you out. Anyone know from experience?
A nice spot to get away from the crowds. Pershing Park is located at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. General John “Black Jack” Pershing led the American Expeditionary Force in World War I.
There is also a very relaxing pool and fountain which is used as an ice rink in the winter. (more…)
This is from the little (soon to be) garden behind Red Rocks and 11th Street. Loved this sign.
I know we were lamenting the removal/destruction of the trees in the plaza at Park Road and 14th Street but it’s starting to look promising. I’m guessing the big hole is where the fountain is going to go. I can sort of visualize now. I think it’s going to be pretty dope.