On October 14, 2020, DC’s Department of Parks & Recreation and the Department of General Services shared the final design for the new Riggs-LaSalle Playground that will be located on the Nicholson Street NE side of the Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center. View the presentation here.
The playground will be ADA accessible with play structures for the 2 to 5 year old age group and for the 5 to 12 year old age group. New shade trees, low maintenance landscaping, and a four foot decorative fence will be installed.
We discussed the preliminary design in this blog post. A few updates from the preliminary design:
Confirmed drinking fountain with bottle filler
More benches (4, up from 2)
More swings (4, up from 3)
Night lighting
Security cameras
Reorientation of the playground layout
DPR will not create a direct walkway between the existing splash pad and the new playground as requested because they do not want children with wet slippery feet running onto the playground and potentially hurting themselves. As for security, DPR noted the agency will work with DGS to ensure that the playground is adequately maintained and safe.
The project will break ground in the next couple of weeks, with completion anticipated late 2020/early 2021. For questions, contact the project manager Peter Nohrden at peter.nohrden@dc.gov. The project website is https://dgs.dc.gov/riggs-lasalle.
Warranted or not, the subject of crime regularly seems to come up when discussing Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center. This was definitely a point of debate amongst neighbors at the October 2020 meeting of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association as part of the discussion on the new playground. If you need to come up to speed on the new project, please read a detailed description here and my comments provided to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation. And, mark your calendars for October 14 for the next community meeting on the project.
I personally feel safe in Riggs Park and have no fear about taking my family to the current playground. From my viewpoint, detractors of the playground like to say that the vast majority of crime—especially violent crime—that happens in Riggs Park centers around the recreation center. But, these are always anecdotes, and we all know that the plural of anecdotes is not data.
So, let’s actually look at some crime statistics pulled from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Crime Map to better understand the issue. In this post, I will show data provided when searching for all reported crimes within 1,000 feet from the Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center over the past eight years. Note, data for 2020 are as of Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Also, keep in mind when looking at the data, that these numbers may or may not be directly linked to anything going on at the rec center, but specifically within a 1,000 foot radius.
Table 1 below shows the bigger picture of property crime and violent crime since 2012. No surprise, but property crimes outnumbered violent crimes each year. During this time, the total number of crimes trended up, peaked in 2017, then came down since then.
Year
Property
Violent
Grand Total
2012
9
0
9
2013
33
6
39
2014
37
12
49
2015
38
18
56
2016
42
9
51
2017
45
14
59
2018
37
6
43
2019
26
7
33
2020
18
2
20
Table 1
Table 2 shows a breakdown of property crimes reported near the rec center. These include burglary, motor vehicle theft, theft from auto, and other types of theft. Theft from automobiles is definitely a problem near the rec center, but this is an issue citywide, not unique to Riggs Park. MPD raises this issue quite often at community meetings. Here is your PSA for the day, stop leaving valuables in your car already!
Year
Burglary
Motor vehicle theft
Theft from auto
Theft/other
2012
1
1
1
6
2013
4
8
14
7
2014
4
6
14
13
2015
4
7
15
12
2016
1
0
33
8
2017
4
4
18
19
2018
1
3
27
6
2019
1
2
16
7
2020
1
2
11
4
Table 2
And, what about for violent crimes, such as assault with a deadly weapon, homicide, robbery, and Sexual abuse? Below are the numbers for your review in Table 3.
Year
Assault w/dangerous weapon
Homicide
Robbery
Sex abuse
2012
0
0
0
0
2013
2
0
3
1
2014
3
0
9
0
2015
12
0
6
0
2016
5
2
2
0
2017
3
0
11
0
2018
3
1
1
1
2019
3
0
4
0
2020
0
0
2
0
Finally, when looking at the method used during some of the crimes, Table 4 below shows the data for guns, knifes, and other methods. I’m not sure what all is encompassed in “other” here from MPD, and probably do not want to know…
Year
Gun
Knife
Other
Grand Total
2012
1
8
9
2013
2
37
39
2014
4
2
43
49
2015
9
47
56
2016
7
2
42
51
2017
6
1
52
59
2018
4
1
38
43
2019
5
1
27
33
2020
2
18
20
Table 4
Overall, reported crimes appear to be trending downward in recent years near the rec center. This is also the case for Riggs Park as a whole (see this 2019 post for a decade’s worth of data). To me, this is something to commend and build upon. Moreover, the crime data do not justify to me a reason to fight a new playground coming to our neighborhood that will benefit families and children alike. That being said, one crime is too many of course. I am pleased to hear of residents taking action, providing crime-reduction plans, and working towards engaging folks in our community (yes, that is an overt plug for Tischa Cockrell running for ANC4B).
Below is what I shared with the Department of Parks and Recreation regarding my comments on the new playground proposed for the Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center. I encourage other community members to directly share their feedback with Peter.Nohrden@dc.gov. Feel free and share your thoughts in the comments section too.
—
Good day Mr. Nohrden,
Thank you for meeting with members of the larger Lamond-Riggs community on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, to discuss the plans for the new playground located at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center. I appreciated hearing about the plans under consideration and your willingness to encompass feedback from the community. As noted in the Upper Northeast element of the District’s Comprehensive Plan, “…much of Upper Northeast is starved for public parkland. More active recreational areas, playgrounds, athletic fields, and traditional neighborhood parks are needed.” So, this community discussion and project are welcomed.
I support the new playground project. Anything that gets our kids and families outside, playing in the fresh air, the better in my opinion. As requested during the meeting, please find below some additional thoughts for consideration.
· Link the new playground with the existing splash park and other amenities in the existing play space. A safe passage between the two sites will be a vast improvement to ensure children and families do not need to dodge vehicles in the parking lot just because they want to play.
· Install as much native landscaping as possible, with minimal sod grass, at the site, including markers indicating what plant species are present. This could make for a great learning tool informing the community about the flora all around them. More information about the landscaping plan in future meetings would be appreciated.
· Clearly display the hours of operation for the playground on a visually appealing sign
· Prefer the swing set over the zipline as it would allow more opportunities for children to play
· Ensure the design of the new playground is one that is aesthetically pleasing and blends into the natural environment and neighborhood whenever and wherever possible. This could include choosing earth tone colors, public art, using building materials which are more environmentally friendly and long-lasting, as well as removal of unsightly existing structures and tall chain-linked fencing.
For your reference, the desire and need for a new playground has been a topic of interest in the community for many years. I personally have heard the issue raised at various community meetings, directly to city officials (go to 42 minutes in the recording of this LRCA meeting with Mayor Bowser in February 2018), and while chatting with neighbors. Moreover, the 2009 Small Area Development plan for our neighborhood called for more active recreation, such as playgrounds or trails. Though that specific recommendation was to work with the U.S. National Park Service, it is quite applicable for working with the District’s Department of Parks and Recreation too. As a testament to the community’s interest, below is a sampling of what was shared on our public neighborhood listserv in support of the new playground:
* * * * *
Again, I appreciate your willingness to work with the Riggs Park community on this project to ensure we have the best playground possible that meets the community’s needs. To paraphrase from the 2004 Play D.C. master plan,
Our legacy of parks provides an extraordinary foundation and we owe it not only to our predecessors, but to our current and future residents to capitalize on and fully realize our rich heritage. We must continually invest in, and improve our existing parks and recreation centers citywide to provide quality and equity of service…we must strengthen the connections between parks and neighborhoods, and residents and their communities.
I encourage the Department of Parks and Recreation to send updates on this project, including future meeting announcements, directly to the neighborhood list serv to ensure as many residents are made aware as possible. Emails may be sent to lamond-riggs-community@googlegroups.com. I’m also willing to forward messages directly to the group on your behalf.
On August 19, 2020, the DC Department of Parks & Recreation and Department of General Services held an initial community meeting about a new playground that will be built at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center. The rec center is located at 501 Riggs Road NE at the corner of Nicholson Street NE. The playground would be built on the Nicholson Street side of the rec.
The project website is https://dgs.dc.gov/riggs-lasalle. The presentation has not been placed on the website just yet, but a resident kindly passed along screenshots that I have placed below. (Update: The presentation is now on the project website at https://dgs.dc.gov/riggs-lasalle). If you have an interest in this project, please send comments to the project manager Peter Nohrden at peter.nohrden@dc.gov. Officials hope to start construction in fall 2020 with completion anticipated late 2020/early 2021. They have asked that people send comments in the next two weeks, so please send comments as soon as possible.
I suggest that people take pictures of things at other playgrounds that they really like and send that with their comments. This new playground will be limited by space and budget. The footprint they are working with is only 5,000 square feet, so there is not a ton of space for a vast array of playground equipment. The budget is only $550,000. The rec would really need (and could benefit from) a full redesign and layout to really have a larger, cohesive play space, and that is just not going to happen at this point.
Features of the proposed playground
A play area for 2 to 5 year olds and a play area for 5 to 12 year olds. There is an Option A and an Option B for both so let officials know if you feel strongly about either option.
New signage
Shade trees and low maintenance landscaping
A couple of benches oriented towards the play structures so that parents/guardians can keep an eye on their children and socialize
Swing set with one toddler swing and two regular size swings
Optional drinking fountain with bottle filler
The playground would be ADA accessible
The playground would be open 7 days/week and open to the public during school hours
A few suggestions raised during the community meeting
Some initial comments from residents who attended the meeting:
Connect the new playground to the existing playground with a pathway
Connect the new playground to the existing splash pad so that children do not have to cross an active driveway to go back and forth between the two
Keep the existing playground open to the community. The existing playground is open to the community during non-school hours when school is in session.
Supplement the existing playground with different items at the new playground so that children have more play structures.
Remove or relocate the shipping containers on the field to increase the amount of space for a playground. These containers apparently have been used to store equipment for the football team, but it is not clear if the team needs that storage space. The project team is discussing that with the rec center staff.
Remove the batting cages to increase the amount of space for a playground. Some residents seem to believe that the batting cages are not used. I believe they are used by baseball/softball teams, but I do not know for sure. Other residents stated they would like the batting cages to remain.
Have more sitting areas for parents/guardians
Include the drinking fountain
Several residents expressed a desire for a walking path/track at the rec. DPR officials noted this is a longstanding desire, but noted the layout of the field make installation of a walking track difficult and doing a a full scale redesign of the field is cost-prohibitive at this time.
Have a security plan in place
A few concerns & a little background
One of the big concerns that came up even before the meeting and one that has existed with the existing playground is safety. I mentioned in this post that the community worked for several years to get the existing playground opened back up to the community. It was finally reopened in June/July 2019. I did not go into all of the drama of getting that playground reopened.
The existing playground had been closed to the public for at least 8 years that I know of, but I am pretty sure it was closed for a longer period of time. The official reason we were given for its closure to the public was that it belonged to the school next door, LaSalle-Backus Education Campus. I served as president of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA) from June 2017 to June 2019. We held a public meeting in February 2018 with members of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Cabinet. I asked parents to attend that meeting to ask the mayor about opening the playground to the public. In response to questions, the mayor stated that it should be open and that she did not know why it was closed. We let DC officials know that we were pretty sure the playground belonged to DPR not DCPS. [Note: At the same time, we were also working to get funding for a new playground because there was not a playground open to the public in the neighborhood at all. We did get a commitment for funding.]
There was a scramble with DPR, DGS, and DCPS doing research, and they eventually determined that the playground actually belonged to DPR and that the school had first right of use. The school would have exclusive use during school hours, and the school would be responsible for cleaning and maintenance of the playground during school hours. During non-school hours and on the weekends, the playground would be open to the public and DGS would be responsible for cleaning and maintenance. In order to open the playground to the public, DGS had to install an ADA ramp and a second entrance. So all of that was done and the playground was reopened to the public last summer.
Unofficially, many residents believe the playground was closed for so long because of safety reasons. I spoke with MPD officers who stated that they thought the playground was in a poor location, basically sitting in a valley behind a tall chain link fence, making it difficult for officers patrolling to see the playground from Riggs Road. DPR officials have said the same. Likewise, the playground could not be seen by officers patrolling on Nicholson Street because the playground sits behind the rec center. The playground was built years before the rec center. When the rec center was built, it was constructed with its back side facing the playground. That layout made it difficult for rec center staff to monitor the playground. As part of the reopening, DGS installed cameras on the back side of the building.
But really the issue is that the playground has been around for decades, so it was there during the crack epidemic. All sorts of things took place on the playground and kids were returning to school finding things they should not be finding on a playground. There are hot blocks in the neighborhood. Over time, the area around the rec became one of the hot spots. One would think people would not do antisocial, anti-community things around an elementary school and community recreation center that community residents lobbied to have built, but here we are.
So now the current president of LRCA, Rodney Foxworth, is objecting to a new playground on the pretense of public safety concerns and that “the community” was not notified. Public safety is a legitimate concern, but it is also a concern that exists regardless of whether this new playground gets built, as I noted above. The new playground would face Nicholson Street and would be visible from the street. DPR reached out to the ANC commissioner for that area ANC Commissioner LaRoya Huff (4B09) to do a site visit and talk about plans for the playground. Ms. Huff is also a current officer on the board of the LRCA. She is also a staffer for Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd.
I will go ahead and say it. One of the frustrating things about this conversation for me is that the loudest voices citing public safety concerns and problems with “process” are the ones who love to talk about how long they have lived in the neighborhood and they love to behave in an unwelcome manner to anyone who was not raised in the neighborhood or who moved into the neighborhood in the last 10 years. The people engaging in anti-community behavior near the rec are not strangers. They are people that long-time residents know. They grew up here. They are friends and relatives of long-time neighbors.
This notion that we should not have anything in this neighborhood because it will just get messed up is a hopelessness and fiction that I just cannot abide. Yes, we need to have a plan in place for making sure the playground stays clean and the equipment is not destroyed. That plan should already be in place for the existing playground. Yes, we should be realistic about the fact that prior to COVID-19, certain people liked to congregate in front of the rec and on the side of the building out of view of the cameras and engage in anti-community behavior. We should also tell the truth that they were permitted to do so. We do not actually have to just shrug and say welp when we see our own neighbors using a community space in ways making it difficult for that space to be used for its intended use, but that is what has been happening. We do not actually have to just shrug and say welp when long-time neighbors know the people responsible for the few shootings that have happened near the rec.
Last summer a few residents (not the loudest voices) and a DC government employee started a program working with some of the youth who would hang out at the rec, and that program was very promising. That is the type of work that we should be championing and expanding. There is a new Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Rec that is in the process of standing up. Once that organization is fully stood up, hopefully it will be an avenue to support this community space. Bottom line, I hope that as neighbors we actually do the work and work together to have the community we want.
Remember to send any comments about the proposed playground to Peter Nohrden at peter.nohrden@dc.gov.
As previously noted, a new playground will be built at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center on the Nicholson Street NE side of the center. There will be a virtual community meeting on August 19, 2020. Please plan to attend to learn about the scope of the project and timeline and to get your questions answered.
Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center Playground Community Meeting August 19, 2020 6:00 pm-7:00 pm Hosted by DC Department of Parks & Recreation
Neighbor Gavin Baker sent me an article from DCist regarding the approval of the National Capital Trail Network. Last week, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, an arm of the regional Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, approved the trail network via a board resolution. The plan includes a paved trail near/through Fort Circle Park, connecting to the Metropolitan Branch Trail near Fort Totten, and a trail along Eastern Avenue. The Fort Circle Park trail (named as a part of the Met Branch Trail) was previously included in the District Department of Transportation’s moveDC plan. The resolution calls for annual progress reports and priorization for funding for the trail network.
The District Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is undertaking a 20-year master planning effort called Ready2Play DC. Information is available at https://ready2playdc.com. There you will find links to FAQs, surveys, and meeting information. Importantly, this effort is not just for DC/DPR-owned parks and centers. It will also address National Park Service (NPS) parkland, of which we have plenty in this community. The first priority in the planning process is the Statewide DC Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The SCORP project page states:
As part of this Master Plan process, DPR will be drafting and submitting a new Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) to the National Park Service. This SCORP is a requirement of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act. It is a 5-year planning document that sets high-level goals and a prioritizing framework (called the Open Project Selection Process) for how DC will select future projects to be submitted for LWCF matching grant dollars.
Over the years, there have been efforts to get traction behind implementing elements of the neighborhood’s adopted area development plan related to green space in the neighborhood. In 2017, ANC 5A passed a resolution that I helped draft to preserve the green space in front of Food & Friends for neighborhood recreation. On this blog, I have cataloguedefforts regarding the NPS parkland at South Dakota Avenue and Galloway Street NE (formally known as the Civil War Defenses of Washington; informally known as Fort Circle Park). I personally submitted comments during the Comprehensive Plan process and budget process to advocate for a two-phase approach for the NPS parkland, starting with a paved trail around the perimeter of the park and adding amenities from there. Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie included funding for an environmental impact assessement of a paved trail at Fort Circle Park in his budget request letter to the mayor before she submitted her budget to the council.
As a neighborhood, we can all bolster these efforts by submitting comments during the DPR master planning process noting that these efforts are all in alignment with the neighborhood’s area development plan. (Aside: Before anyone asks, I am not that concerned about dog parks because a dog park is part of the plan for the second phase of Art Place at Fort Totten). And you can also share whatever other comments you may have regarding recreation in the neighborhood or DC in general. Please take a moment to participate by adding your comments at the Ready2play site or participating in an upcoming community meeting.
Earlier this week, I received an email from DPR stating the agency has awarded a design-build contract for a new playground at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE) that will be located on the Nicholson Street NE side of the center. The existing playground was reopened to the community last year after being closed to the public for several years. During the time we were working to get the playground reopened, there were discussions about getting a new playground because there seemed to be a general consensus that the existing playground could be much better. Eventually funding became available for a new playground. There will be a community meeting scheduled in the upcoming weeks to review initial concept ideas and to gather community feedback on what residents would like in a new playground. Project scope, timeline, and community impacts will also be discussed. That is all of the information I have right now. I do not know if the idea is to supplement the existing playground with additional amenities or what. So stay tuned for information on when that meeting will be scheduled and start thinking about what you would like to see in a playground at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center.
Thank you to all the neighbors who have expressed interest and shared thoughts on reactivating the National Park Service (NPS) Civil War Defenses of Washington (CWDW) parkland in our neighborhood (see these posts from October 2019 and December 2019 for more). This is the Fort Totten Park site bounded by Galloway Street NE, South Dakota Avenue NE, and Gallatin Street NE, between Riggs Park and North Michigan Park.
I have shared your feedback and enthusiasm with folks from NPS and they agreed to participate in a community discussion on this topic. Our original target date for this meeting was cancelled due to the COVID-19 emergency and will be rescheduled for when the stay-at-home orders are lifted and we can safely gather again in public. An online/virtual meeting would not be optimal.
This meeting is expected to be similar to an event NPS held last September with the community near Fort Reno. For instance, an NPS park ranger will take us on a historical tour of Fort Totten, describe its role during the Civil War, and its life since. We will then move to hearing about the CWDW management plan, which is the guiding document that will help us better understand what is possible at this site. NPS will share what projects are currently underway or planned, such as wayfinding and historical marker signage, paving the long-awaited social trail, picnic pavilion improvements, and nearby trash mitigation efforts to restore the Anacostia River. It will conclude with NPS hearing directly from us on ways we would like to reactivate and use this CWDW site more for recreational, historical, educational, and cultural purposes, which are allowable under the management plan. Everybody in the community, from residents, to business owners, local developers, The Parks Main Street, civic leaders, and elected officials are welcome to attend.
It is important to note that “reactivation” here does not mean commercial development. Both NPS and the community recognize the importance of keeping an open green space in our neighborhood. This is an opportunity, though, to have us come together with NPS to identify ways to better utilize this public asset for the community.
My NPS colleagues and I will have standing monthly meetings to prep for this event. During these meetings, I’ll relay comments from the community related to the nearby CWDW parklands and report back with answers. So, if you have questions and/or ideas on what to expect at the NPS community meeting to reactivate the parkland, scheduled construction projects, beautification, habitat restoration, etc., please share them with me in the Comments section below or via direct email here.
Finally, some more good news on this site. NPS informed me that the following projects have made progress over the past few months:
Issued a contract to construct the paved and lighted trail between Galloway Street and Gallatin Streets NE. Construction should start later this spring or early summer, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of September.
Authorized the District’s Department of Transportation to start construction of the section of the Metropolitan Branch Trail that goes over the Metro green and yellow line tunnel at Fort Totten metro station. Construction should ramp up significantly in the coming weeks.
Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie submitted a letter to Mayor Muriel Bowser with his Ward 5 budget priorities. The letter incorporates feedback from residents in response to his budget engagement survey. I hope you had a chance to fill it out.
There are generally applicable items that would benefit large areas of the ward, such as around housing, public safety, and support for small businesses. One item in the letter specific to the neighborhood is a request for funding to assess the environmental impact of a paved trail around Fort Circle Park (formally known as the Civil War Defenses of Washington) at South Dakota Avenue and Galloway Street NE.
Based on feedback from residents, we can accomplish this through additional funds to activate a historic trail for the Trinidad community, and for an environmental impact assessment to examine the possibility of a paved park around Fort Circle Park at South Dakota Ave & Galloway Street, NE, and invest funds for upgrades to play surfaces for all Ward 5 playgrounds. I am also requesting funds to preserve green space and pocket parks in neighborhoods with limited green space such as the Brookland Green.
A trail and play areas around the perimeter of the park is an item in the neighborhood’s area development plan, which was approved by the DC Council in March 2009. In 2016, a nine-year-old Riggs Park resident named Lucas collected signatures for a petition to National Park Service (NPS) and testified at NPS townhalls in support of a playground and trail at Fort Circle Park. Blog contributor David Kosub has beenwriting about efforts to consolidate community action in support of amenities at the park. The Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association has a community benefits agreement with developer EYA to assist with visioning for activation of Fort Circle Park (as well as the District-owned green space in front of Food & Friends). So there is widespread support for a trail at the park, at a bare minimum. I think a two-phase approach might make sense: (1) get a trail; (2) get other stuff. We know anything involving NPS takes time. Funding for an environmental impact assessment would be a really good start and it is something we as a community should actively support.
Congresswoman Norton’s district office is hosting its third quarterly meeting of D.C. residents and representatives of the National Park Service in order to better understand the issues that constituents are having with national parks in the District.
The pertinent details are below:
Who: All D.C. Residents What: Quarterly National Park Service Meeting Where: Cleveland Park Library Meeting Room, 3310 Connecticut Ave NW When: Thursday, January 30, 2020 Time: 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
It’s a new year, and with that comes new opportunities to connect with your neighbors and friends all around you in the community. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s gather up already!
What: Thirsty Third Thursday Neighborhood Gathering
When: Thursday, January 16, 2020, starting around 6:30 pm
Where: Hellbender Brewery – 5788 2nd St NE. We’ll likely be around a circle table – just ask for Thirsty Third Thursday peeps
Who: Everybody is welcome. That includes you (yes, even you!), your family, your retired neighbor down the street, block captains, that new person who just moved in yesterday, folks with hidden agendas, your friend visiting from out of town, and all those babies who have recently entered the world (they know who they are)
Why: Because it’s fun to get to know folks living around you and share stories, unwind, support a local business, and there may even be some trivia too!
Never been to a Thirsty Third Thursday Neighborhood Gathering before? Well, don’t let that stop you now! It’s totally chill, welcoming, and a good respite from the workday.
In response to my October post, I was pleased to see so much interest related to the Civil War Defenses of Washington (CWDW) National Park Service (NPS) land in our community. I summarize the comments below and also describe what’s happened since. This is also a call for helping hands. Volunteers welcomed! Please note in the comments and send me an email on how you, your family, and your neighbors can help this project continue to gather steam.
Dusting Off the Plans
To know where we are going, we must look back to where we have been. The 2009 Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue Area Development Plan generally calls for connections, reactivation, and the creation of open spaces around us (see Implementation Table 4.3). It also calls for establishing additional recreational opportunities in the green spaces. Let’s achieve these goals already!
Funding is referenced coming from the District’s Capital Improvement Budget and Capital Space Plan, such as for “active recreation, such as … trails at the edges of the Fort Circle Park near residential areas.” The Capital Space Plan provides strategies for parks, particularly those in the city’s neighborhoods, to create a beautiful, high-quality, and unified system for the Nation’s Capital. I doubt funding is available anymore, but are there any volunteers out there to look into this possible revenue source?
Trees, Trees, and more Trees
I was glad to see I’m not the only tree hugger in the neighborhood. We can always use more trees. Folks seem to echo the point that, without shade trees at least on the perimeter of the park, the area can get too hot during certain times of the year and thus become unusable for many (see this heat island map published last year noting our community is one of the hottest spots in the city). Moreover, trees help combat the effects of climate change, cool the roads, help with stormwater management, provide new habitats for the other creatures around us, give shade for folks who are taking in a pick-up game, and beautify the surroundings making this a more pleasant and desirable place.
During a recent follow-up conversation, NPS acknowledged the community’s desire to have more trees along the edges to help combat the heat island effects and provide shade for park visitors. They still stressed the point that the large swath of open green space in the middle must be maintained in accordance with the management plan for these parklands. That said, they are going to consider the option to plant trees along the perimeter and step up the effort to replace known dead or dying trees.
As suggested, I also reached out to Casey Trees about this site. They noted not working much with CWDW parks before, but were thrilled we want to utilize the land more effectively, such as by adding trees. The likely next step is to submit a Community Tree Planting application so their arborists can take a look and see if moving forward is feasible. Any volunteers to submit the application?
Interestingly enough, roughly 30 new trees were recently planted along the perimeter of the park on the Galloway Street side from South Dakota Avenue to 11th Street NE. Trees were also planted on the perimeter of the park east of Sargent Road NE on Galloway and Gallatin streets. It is unclear to me if these tree plantings were a result of my discussions with NPS, but they are most welcomed nonetheless.
Newly planted trees on Galloway Street NE
Newly planted trees on Gallatin Street NE
To Be Fit or Not to Be Fit
This NPS site is zoned for recreational purposes. And, to many, this means opportunities for exercise. Be it a walking or running path lined with markers, exercise equipment, and a designated field for sports and play for humans and our four-legged friends, we are ready to have fun! Any volunteers to organize a group yoga class or begin an annual Riggs Park v. North Michigan Park pick-up game, perhaps at the next Fort Circle Field Day?
NPS will not approve a designated dog park or install a water fountain (see this 1992 Washington Post story for other wishlist items which would not fly either, but hopefully we will have better neighborhood buy-in today). Other community suggestions are still possible. A walking trail could be installed, as it aligns with earlier NPS plans. But it’ll be costly, and the community would need to find the funding source (I’m looking at you, the District’s Capital Improvement Budget). For such a trail to be installed, environmental and geotechnical studies must be done, ensure it fits the historical and cultural aspects of the park, and professional designs must be obtained. The estimated cost would be around $250,000. The best option here would likely be having the District and local developers pony up the funds. With enough community support, this could be possible. It’s budget planning season after all.
Infrastructure
Perhaps those resources could be used elsewhere though. The pavilion area needs some TLC. Many neighbors noted its lack of accessibility and that it could be spruced up with picnic tables and natural shade. NPS indicated rehabbing the picnic and pavilion area is doable, including adding a grill. Some things could happen quickly, like bringing in some picnic tables, while others may take a couple years, such as renovating the picnic shelters and making them ADA compliant. NPS is currently in the process of requesting funding.
As for other infrastructure needs, such as lighting and sidewalk improvements, we likely need to reach out to the District’s Department of Transportation through 311 requests. Volunteers are welcomed to start submitting these requests today.
Historical markers
Historical markers for CWDW parks are on the way. NPS has submitted designs for approval from the Commission on Fine Arts. The Commission will discuss these interpretative signs at their upcoming spring 2020 meeting (renderings will be shared once available). I hope these markers add a nice piece of visual flair to the neighborhood.
Next steps
I feel like we are making progress. NPS is happy to partner with us, which does achieve one of the goals from the plans referenced earlier. One event NPS mentioned was teaming up with a group on the Maryland side already engaged with them for a spring clean-up event. And, since the community has expressed concerns related to trash in the park, perhaps additional resources could be provided to the South Dakota Ave Clean Team? I also spoke with a representative from the Cafritz Foundation and they expressed interest, general support, and a willingness to partner too. The Parks Main Street has some ideas too, and if they come to fruition, I think the community will enjoy them (yes, that is a teaser).
To reiterate though, I need your help. If we want resources to flow into this park, we need neighbors to stand up and volunteer their time. Would you consider attending a community meeting in January or February? We could bring NPS in, along with inviting local community groups, developers, and District government representatives. It would be great to hear your ideas in person. Raise your hand if you would attend, and I will put a meeting on the calendar.
Remnants of an earthen fortification exists right in Riggs Park’s backyard. Constructed from the surrounding ground, it helped protect the District of Columbia from invasion from from Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Oh, how times have changed.
When going through the neighborhood today, we may not even give it a second thought. We may now only think of the area surrounding Fort Totten as a main transportation hub, an urban forest, and an open field adjacent to South Dakota Ave NE. But, could it be something more?
Originally known as the Fort Circle Parks, the Civil War Defenses of Washington (CWDW) (of which Fort Totten is a part) are a unique National Park System (NPS) asset located very close to home. In 2004, NPS released a plan to manage and preserve the circle of forts, with a particular focus to “preserve significant natural features, including substantial acreage of mature native hardwood forest, geologic and aquatic resources, and a diversity of important habitat for indigenous flora and fauna that are unusual in an urban setting and that contribute to the uniqueness of the nation’s capital.” In addition to natural preservation, it also called for enhancing knowledge on the forts’ cultural significance to the Civil War and encouraging recreation.
Let’s work as a community now to finally achieve these 15-year old goals for our slice of the CWDW. Following the enactment of the public lands package of bills earlier this spring, the District of Columbia and NPS can now enter into agreements to maintain and operate NPS properties in the District. See this post here for more.
With assistance from the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), I recently spoke with NPS about this issue, with a focus on reactivating the parcel of CWDW parkland bounded by Galloway Street, South Dakota Avenue, and Gallatin Street NE. Generally speaking, they appear willing to help, but we must work within the framework on the CWDW management plan. For instance, this area is zoned as “recreation” meaning open green space must be preserved, and “organized and informal recreational activities will be the primary use.” Thus, picnicking, pick-up games, community events, and the like are allowable, but things like playgrounds and water features which distract from the historical nature are not.
So, how would you like to use this space? Add your thoughts to the comments section or send me an email here. I’ll synthesize the ideas and share back in a follow-up post.
As a start, NPS threw out the following suggestions. They previously approved a multi-purpose trail to be installed, but this will be a timely and costly endeavor, one for which funds are not available. They could reinstall and enhance the picnic area with new tables, trash cans, grills, roof features, and even a composting toilet. However, they noted that the community has raised concerns previously related to potentially nefarious and illicit activities when picnic tables used to be there (see this caught on camera footage).
Programming with NPS events is possible too. The 2004 plan calls for the activity center at Fort Dupont to be transformed into a center educating the community on the cultural history and natural resources within the CWDW. This center, according to the plan, will help “schools within walking distance of the fort sites to use these areas as local outdoor classrooms for cultural and environmental education.” Perhaps our local schools and library educational activities could benefit from this?
Wayfinding signage would be great to help passersby know more about this national park. Such signage could explain the landscape and its historical importance. The plan also indicates that “signs, site furniture, and interpretive materials [were to be purchased] as a way to make the [CWDW[ more visible.” When we spoke, NPS appeared amenable to this idea as the 2004 plan talks about how markers are helpful to create a consistent interpretation of the cultural significance of the CWDW.
I also would love to see more trees around the perimeter of the site. That said, I recognize the call for maintaining the character of the large swath of open space in the 2004 plan, but trees provide many tangible benefits to a community that I feel they cannot be overlooked. NPS was hesitant about planting more trees around the perimeter, but they did not completely shut the door on the idea.
Finally, the plan does recognize the “need for visitors to be safe while in the parks. NPS indicated the design for a paved trail between Galloway and Gallatin is underway and will share information upon its completion. Congresswoman Norton is also aware of this community concern (see here).
We have a great opportunity as a community to engage with this space. The Parks Main Street (on whose Board I serve), aims to revitalize the Riggs Park small business corridor. This could be facilitated through creating historical markers, hosting promotional events, and securing resources to beautify the visual character of the nearby parkland adjacent to the neighborhood. Perhaps since the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association approved the Community Benefits Agreement with EYA for the Fort Totten South project this past June, we could use future promised “funding [as noted in the agreement] to complete improvements or upgrades . . . following [in-kind design services and a minimum of three visioning sessions . . . [for the] activation of Fort Circle Park.” (Read more on this agreement here). Maybe ANC 5A could invite NPS to an upcoming meeting to hear directly from the community on this issue (building on Congresswoman Norton’s offer a couple weeks back to help bring NPS here for a community discussion). Call me a dreamer, but maybe all three could combine forces on this too. Either way, your ideas are welcomed in the comments section below or via email to me directly.
August 6, 2019 National Building Musuem Ward 4 Day 9:00 am-11:00 am National Building Museum 401 F Street NW Bring photo ID with zip code
MPD 4th District National Night Out 5:00 pm-9:00 pm Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center 501 Riggs Road NE
August 9, 2019 Fridays at Fort Totten Concert Series: The JoGo Band 6:00 pm-8:00 pm South Dakota Avenue & Galloway Street NE Bring a lawn chair for seating. Sponsored by The Modern at Art Place & On Tap Magazine
August 10, 2019 Bertie Backus Farmstand 10:00 am-2:00 pm UDC-CC Backus 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE
The community playground, tot lot, and basketball court at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE) are open again after several years of being closed to the community. The splash park is functioning as well. These are community spaces, and we as a community need to make sure they are being used for community purposes. Employees from the mayor’s office and DPR staff have done a good job addressing issues regarding individuals using the rec center for antisocial, non-community purposes. If there are any issues with accessing the playground or if any public safety concerns arise, please let the rec center staff know.
Fridays at Fort Totten Concert Series featuring music by Allthebestkids and Carnivore BBQ food truck. 6:00 pm, corner of South Dakota Avenue & Galloway Street NE. Bring a lawn chair for seating
June 29, 2019
DDOT Rock Creek East I Livability Pop-up: Share your views on how to make the transportation network safer and more accessible. Study area is defined by Rock Creek and the Maryland border to the West, Eastern Avenue to the North, New Hampshire Avenue NE and the Red Line Metrorail tracks to the East, and Military Road NW, Missouri Avenue NW, and Riggs Road NE to the South. 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Safeway, 6500 Piney Branch Road NW
Explore! Jumpin’ July Community Festival featuring petting zoo, music show, science show, coloring, storytelling, face painting, and more. 10:00 am-1:30 pm, The Modern at Art Place, 400 Galloway Street NE
Come one, come all! Let’s have some fun playing in a National Park in our backyard!
What: Fort Circle Field Day
When: Saturday, May 18, 2019, starting around 12:00 noon
Where: We’ll be set up somewhere on the grassy field at Fort Circle Park bounded by South Dakota, Galloway, and Gallatin NE
Who: Everybody is welcome! Tell your neighbor of 40 years across the street and the one who just moved in next door. Tell your friends in Lamond-Riggs. Tell your family in North Michigan Park. Tell your buddy in Manor Park. Tell your puppy we’ll have a yappy hour. Tell the 96 Bus driver, but they may look confused.
Why: Because who doesn’t enjoy just hanging out in the park, meeting some new faces, playing a couple field games, drinking some lemonade, taking in nature, strumming a guitar and thumping a drum, and watching puppies catch frisbees
This is a totally low-key social event. Come and go as you please. Bring some musical instruments. Bring some balls. Bring a lawn chair. Bring some SPF 40. Bring your grandma’s homemade sweet potato pie. And, don’t forget to bring grandma too.
Please spread the word to folks far and wide. Let’s begin reactivating Fort Circle Park for the benefit of our community!
Come one, come all! Let’s have some fun playing in a National Park in our backyard!
What: Fort Circle Field Day
When: Saturday, May 18, 2019, starting around 12:00 noon
Where: We’ll be set up somewhere on the grassy field at Fort Circle Park bounded by South Dakota, Galloway, and Gallatin NE
Who: Everybody is welcome! Tell your neighbor of 40 years across the street and the one who just moved in next door. Tell your friends in Lamond-Riggs. Tell your family in North Michigan Park. Tell your buddy in Manor Park. Tell your puppy we’ll have a yappy hour. Tell the 96 Bus driver, but they may look confused.
Why: Because who doesn’t enjoy just hanging out in the park, meeting some new faces, playing a couple field games, drinking some lemonade, taking in nature, strumming a guitar and thumping a drum, and watching puppies catch frisbees
This is a totally low-key social event. Come and go as you please. Bring some musical instruments. Bring some balls. Bring a lawn chair. Bring some SPF 40. Bring your grandma’s homemade sweet potato pie. And, don’t forget to bring grandma too.
Please spread the word to folks far and wide. Let’s begin reactivating Fort Circle Park for the benefit of our community!
Next Stop...Riggs Park 