ANC Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) reached out to DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) with a few questions about progress on the new Riggs & South Dakota Park. See DPR responses below.

1. What is the completion date for the new pocket park on the corner?

DPR Response: We anticipate substantial completion by December 2026

2. Is watering including in this contract with the vendor, if so, what time period?

DPR Response:We are following up with DGS to see how much more watering the vendor will do after completion.

[Ed. Note: During a community meeting, the contract team stated that the contractor would be responsible for watering in the first year following installation.]

3. What is the status of the Art Installation piece that was park of phase 1? We had one meeting and then the process stopped.

DPR Response: We will resume the art installation process in Phase II. An email was sent on June 30, 2026 notifying the group of this.

4. Can you provide update on funding for Phase II of the park?

DPR Response: We are still waiting for info about the funding.

5. In the short term can DPR work with Casey Trees and DDOT and plant additional conifers in the Green space.

DPR Response: We don’t recommend planting additional conifers until we begin the design for Phase II. Please note, we plan on adding a lot of trees as part of that phase.

6. Can you provide the dates of grass cutting for the park? I.e. April – Oct.

DPR Response: DGS begins its mowing season typically in March and runs through November. Visit https://dgs.dc.gov/page/dc-facilities-landscaping-and-grounds-maintenance1-0 for complete information.

7. Can you provide contact information in the event that vandalism, rodent, or other issues that need to be addressed come up?

DPR Response: Residents can submit a 311 ticket or send a photo (.jpg format) to myself at christopher.dyer@dc.gov or dprcustomercare@dc.gov.