Congress Heights: Parks, Streets, and Public Space
Congress Heights: Parks, Streets, and Public Space
We are planning. We are planning together. We are planning for equity.
If you missed the first focus group discussion Tuesday, March 9, complete the survey below and check out the recording at the bottom of the page!
Thank you for your interest in the Congress Heights Small Area Plan and the Parks, Streets, and Public Realm focus area.
This focus area focuses addresses the public realm--that is the shared public and spaces in the community where you recreate and gather, and the experiences you have there. This includes parks, street life, and the characteristics that make them comfortable or uncomfortable.
Start providing critical feedback by scrolling down and answering the survey questions below. Your feedback will be critical in shaping the direction of this plan and future plan recommendations.
After completing this survey, you can explore other focus areas and complete additional surveys by returning to our project home page.
What We've Heard
Over a series of meetings, research activities, and surveying, we have heard the following challenges and community priorities. Take a look and tell us if this is a summary you can get behind.
Challenges
- Poor maintenance of public spaces reflects institutional disinvestment and reinforces ideas that this community is undesirable.
- Pedestrian facilities and streetscapes are poorly maintained, and inhospitable to residents who need them most.
- Recreational parks in the community are undermaintained, particularly compared to community parks West of the River.
- Residents in need of dedicated recreational space often rely on parks that are often unwelcoming, unsafe, or not programmed for community use.
- Youth-oriented rec spaces that have closed over time have not been replaced, leaving a gap in services.
- Because public space assets such as public wifi, electricity, and lighting are missing, already-stretched community organizations bear the additional costs of activating public space with community events.
- Community spaces that encourage day-long use do not feature public restrooms.
- COVID-19 programming for outdoor dining has so far been inaccessible to local businesses.
- Current public services and policies do not address ongoing drug sales and unsafe behaviors in public spaces. These disadvantage local businesses, particularly along MLK, Jr. Ave SE, and economic development overall.
The Congress Heights Small Area Plan is led by the Office of Planning (OP). The plan is managed by:
- Valecia Wilson, Ward 7 and 8 Planner, Project Manager
- Faith Broderick, Community Planner, Assistant Project Manager
Questions? Reach out to us online at CongressHeightsPlan@dc.gov or on the phone at 855-925-2801 (pin: 9965). We looking forward to hearing from you.