Media Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195
This afternoon, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham and DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Director Clark E. Ray joined members of the Ward 1 community in a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the redevelopment of the 14th and Girard Street Park in Northwest Washington. DPR recently undertook the redevelopment of the park to improve its physical and visual appearance, provide new recreational opportunities, and enhance the overall enjoyment of the park by the community.
“I am very excited to be part of what is going to be a magnificent gift to the Ward 1 community,” commented Mayor Adrian Fenty. “From community input to design, the 14th and Girard Street Park reconstruction project will be a shining example of what collaboration between government and community can achieve.” The Administration also thanked Councilmember Graham for his advocacy throughout the process.
DPR began a community-driven planning and design process in spring 2007 to reconstruct the park in response to the aging infrastructure and shifting needs of the community. The project will completely redevelop the existing park in order to better serve the community that surrounds it.
Improved amenities will include seat walls, landscaping, game tables, lighting and a basketball court with a new rubberized play surface. New features of the park will include a central play fountain, site fencing, access to the basketball court for persons with disabilities, benches, and two outdoor bathrooms.
The DC Housing Authority is serving as the construction manager on behalf of DPR for this $1.6 million project. Construction is expected to last for 7 months, depending on weather, with the new park completed in early summer 2009.
Select the link below to view additional information about this project in the “Planning and Capital Projects” section of DPR’s website, DPR.DC.GOV: