Rock Creek Park NPS replies to a query about when the Piney Branch Parkway will reopen:
“The new Piney Branch Multi-use Trail is almost finished, and the Piney Branch Parkway should re-open on or about Oct. 22. (more…)
Rock Creek Park
|
Thanks to Alisa for sharing a photo this morning from the newly opened bike path by the zoo. Now you can see why hours should have been extended.
From the Office of Eleanor Holmes Norton:
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released a statement on the explanation she received from the National Zoo and the National Park Service (NPS) on the limited hours of the Zoo Loop Trail in Rock Creek Park in the District of Columbia.
The Zoo Loop Trail, which reopened to the public last weekend, is only open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These limited hours prompted Norton to contact the zoo and NPS for an explanation. The zoo explained that the trail hours are tied to the zoo’s hours of operations to maintain accreditation with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, since the trail runs through the zoo’s secondary animal containment perimeter. NPS stated that all other trails in Rock Creek Park remain open from sunrise to sunset.
“As chair of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, I am a strong supporter of bike and pedestrian infrastructure,” said Norton. “I am pleased to receive this prompt explanation from the National Zoo and the National Park Service on why the Zoo Loop Trail has such limited hours, so I can share it with my constituents. I am also glad that NPS affirmed that the other Rock Creek Park trails remain open from sunrise to sunset.”
Update from EHN:
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said she will meet with the National Zoo and the National Park Service (NPS) to explore options to extend the hours of the Zoo Loop Trail in Rock Creek Park in the District of Columbia. (more…)
Camille writes: “Was so excited to use the new Beach Drive Zoo bike path. Not after business hours!”
What levers need to be pulled to get this changed?
Fantastic news (finally!!) from the National Park Service:
“The Zoo Loop Bridge on the Rock Creek Park Multi-Use trail will open at 3PM TODAY. The Smithsonian will open the Zoo Loop Trail at 7AM on Saturday. Hours for the Zoo Loop Trail will be 7-5 and controlled by the National Zoo”
photo by Adam Fagen
“Dear PoPville,
Please help spread the word about this survey for Carter Barron planning. Would love to see this great venue get the much needed attention and renovations it deserves to bring life back into it! Survey closes this Friday.” (more…)
Thanks to Greg for sending: “The new bridge and repaved zoo trail look so close! Anyone know when they are scheduled to finally open?”
The National Park Service says (on Sunday): (more…)
photo by Fritz Myer
From the Office of Eleanor Holmes Norton:
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today met with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) about the Capitol stones in Rock Creek Park. NPS, which controls Rock Creek Park, recently requested the removal of the stones. AOC intends to store them in a facility at Ft. Meade.
In the meeting, Norton asked why the stones need to be removed from Rock Creek Park and if they could remain. NPS explained that, while there have been no reported accidents on the stones, people climb on the stones and there is no way to impose the same safety rules as those at playgrounds. (more…)
Thanks to Meg for sending around 5:45pm yesterday (Monday): “Rock creek trail by the exercise area. guy was out of the car standing with police and seemed okay.”
|
photo by Fritz Myer
Almost exactly a year ago we posted “Any idea why the Capitol Stones have been blocked off?”
Looks like there is finally some action, Bloomberg Government reported:
“Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) said the Capitol stones, removed from the East Portico in 1958-62 renovations, should be turned into a more formal exhibit in Rock Creek Park, where they were dumped likely in the 1970s. Norton said she’s heard from constituents who like taking their kids to the stones, which have turned into an unsanctioned attraction a short distance from a walking trail in the park.”
From the Office of Eleanor Holmes Norton:
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today requested a joint meeting with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to discuss removal of the Capitol Stones, which were part of the original Capitol building, from Rock Creek Park. NPS recently requested the removal of the stones for safety and preservation, and some are currently being stored in an AOC facility in Ft. Meade without public access. (more…)
photo by Emma K Alexandra
“Dear PoPville,
We’re hoping someone can provide an update about a dog-related incident Sunday in Rock Creek Park. My husband was hiking when he heard dogs barking and a woman screaming. A pit bull was attacking her dog and she was trying to separate them. My husband ran across the creek and managed to hold back the pittie, which enabled the woman to chase after her dog, who had bolted. (more…)