Media Contact Only: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195 (DPR); Lisa MacSpadden, (202) 482-7263 (NCPC); William Line, (202) 619-7222 (NPS)
CapitalSpace, an unprecedented joint initiative by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), the National Park Service (NPS) and the government of the District of Columbia, will be the subject of a public meeting at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
The innovative effort is designed to create a high-quality and unified park system in Washington, DC, which is home to approximately 9,300 acres of parks and open space. The meeting will focus on the plan’s "Six Big Ideas." These include better utilization of small parks that are less than one acre in size, connecting the historic Fort Circle Parks, using recreational fields more effectively, enhancing downtown parks, improving public schoolyards and preserving urban natural and ecological areas.
"While Washington is fortunate to have an abundance of parks and open space, there are some unique challenges to address, ranging from meeting the needs of multiple park users to providing improved accessibility," said Julia Koster, the director of intergovernmental affairs at NCPC.
CapitalSpace is the first time in nearly four decades that all stakeholders have worked together to not only create a common vision for the parks, but also to address challenges that could prevent them from reaching their full potential.
"The National Park Service is delighted to play a role in this effort to integrate park spaces throughout Washington, DC," noted Peggy O’Dell, regional director for the National Park Service. "This joint planning effort is a wonderful accomplishment for the residents of and visitors to our nation's capital."
One of the key recommendations in the plan includes improving parks in the city’s neighborhoods, beyond the National Mall and riverfront areas. The neighborhood parks are valuable community assets that offer a sense of place and serve as sites for community gatherings and cultural events.
"The way we use and manage our city’s active and passive recreation spaces is evolving to provide our residents with additional choices," said Harriet Tregoning, director of the District’s Office of Planning. "The CapitalSpace plan is a first step toward realizing the full potential of our parks and open spaces—from small triangle parks in the center city to recreation fields in city neighborhoods."
The National Capital Planning Commission approved the release of the draft CapitalSpace plan for a 60-day public comment period beginning October 8 and ending on December 8, 2009. The plan’s partners will be at the MLK Library to give an overview of the history of Washington’s parks and open spaces and discuss why they are so important to the city’s health and well-being.
"NCPC has long worked to enhance and preserve the capital city’s open spaces," said NCPC Executive Director Marcel Acosta. "CapitalSpace is a great example of how we can work across federal and local jurisdictions to explore creative ways to use and manage our parks so they can contribute to a healthy, sustainable and livable city."
"CapitalSpace is not only a strategic planning document for DPR, but it’s also a critical tool in expanding our coordination with federal and local agencies on park issues," said Dr. Ximena Hartsock, acting director for the District Department of Parks and Recreation. "We are excited to team up with park partners and provide enhanced recreational opportunities to residents and visitors of the District."
The MLK Library is located at 901 G Street, NW, walking distance from the Gallery Place/Chinatown and Metro Center stations. To download the plan or to request information, visit www.capitalspace.gov. If you wish to RSVP or comment on the plan, email capitalspace@ncpc.gov or write to Capital Space c/o the National Capital Planning Commission, 401 9th Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20004. You can also call (202) 482-7200.