Rock Creek Park

This Saturday: “Rock Creek Park to Open Beach Drive to Vehicles for Fall Scenic Driving Day”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

For those who run, walk, bike along the closed road section of Beach Drive, it will be open to cars this Saturday 24th. Go early/late, or adjust your routes.”

From the National Park Service:

“The National Park Service will host a scenic driving day on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the entire length of Beach Drive within Rock Creek Park will be open to motor vehicles. The event provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the park from their vehicles, including those who may have limited mobility. (more…)

Rock Creek Park could become “Rock Creek National Park”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced her bill to rename Rock Creek Park as “Rock Creek National Park,” which would acknowledge the importance of the park for the nation, visitors, tourists, and its central place for District of Columbia residents. Norton said this name would highlight Rock Creek Park as one of the nation’s great historic parks, along with national parks such as Yosemite and Sequoia National Park. Rock Creek is the nation’s oldest federally managed urban park and the third oldest federal park in the country.

“Rock Creek Park is one of our nation’s great public treasures. Established by Congress in 1890, (more…)

NPS: “The Horse Center remains open, and we are actively exploring future operational options to ensure it continues to serve the community.”

By Prince Of Petworth


via NPS

Update from NPS about the Rock Creek Park Horse Center:

“The National Park Service (NPS) is striving to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Rock Creek Park Horse Center. While NPS and Guest Services, Inc. (GSI) are in discussions about the possibility of GSI stepping away from its concessions contract, no decisions or timelines have been set. (more…)

“situation at Rock Creek Park Horse Center”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Eric P.

Update from NPS:

“The National Park Service (NPS) is striving to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Rock Creek Park Horse Center. While NPS and Guest Services, Inc. (GSI) are in discussions about the possibility of GSI stepping away from its concessions contract, no decisions or timelines have been set. The Horse Center remains open, and we are actively exploring future operational options to ensure it continues to serve the community. We understand the importance of this facility and will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

“Dear PoPville, (more…)

DC Native, Brian Joyner, selected as the new superintendent of Rock Creek Park!

By Prince Of Petworth


Brian Joyner via NPS

From the National Park Service:

“The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Brian Joyner as the new superintendent of Rock Creek Park. He previously served as the park’s deputy superintendent.

“Brian excels at engaging local communities and managing complex projects,” acting Regional Director Lisa Mendelson said. “With over 20 years of National Park Service experience, he is a champion for connecting people to the diverse and underrepresented stories inherent in national parks. All this, and Brian’s passion for public history and conservation, makes him well-suited to lead Rock Creek Park.”

“As a DC native, (more…)

“Coalition launches campaign demanding better, more inclusive plan for Rock Creek Park Golf Course this Thursday at 7:30 on the golf course”

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

“During the hottest April on record, the National Park Service (NPS) approved a plan to cut down over 1,200 trees from Rock Creek Park, including hundreds of heritage and canopy trees from 33 different native species, amounting to one third of the trees on the golf course. The chainsaws will start whirring this fall, followed by heavy machinery that will regrade up to 32 acres of land and build a new 50-bay driving range that will be lit until 10pm, further disrupting ecosystems and wildlife. (more…)

“My plea: please respect the signs in Rock Creek and leash your dogs.”

By Prince Of Petworth

Ed. Note: Last year an off leash dog attacked a beaver (that had to be euthanized) in Rock Creek Park, Park Police were looking for info.

“Dear PoPville,

I was running in Rock Creek (Saturday) when I had a moment that kinda ruined a glorious day: an unleashed dog chased me off the trail, barking and snarling, with flecks of saliva hitting my legs as I danced back into the bushes. I was sure I was going to get bit and mentally calculating which part of my body should take the brunt. (more…)

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