Parks & the Local Environment
Our ANC is privileged to have not only some local parks like Forest Hills or Linnean parks but also close proximity to the Rock Creek Park network and Fort Reno Park managed by the National Park Service.
A dense tree canopy helps to reduce temperatures by providing shade, the release of moisture, and the deflection of solar radiation. This canopy protects residents in our ANC from the "urban heat effect" that comes from the removal of natural land for pavement, buildings, or other surfaces that absorb and retain heat.
Ensure that park facilities and access is well maintained
The area's main recreational park, Forest Hills Park, has some good amenities like a baseball diamond, large play area for kids, and tennis and a half baseball court. But it also still needs some improvements - right now it has older water fountains which aren't functional (unlike newer ones that allow for bottle filling in addition to the standard fountain), a broken fence in the back, and insufficient cycling corral for bicycle lockup given the park's size. Additionally, there are no restroom facilities on the park grounds (just a port-a-potty), unlike the park at Chevy Chase off Livingston St. The area around the park, behind the church, on Brandywine is also grown wild with ivy and covering half or more of the sidewalk. As an ANC member, I would raise these types of issues to the ANC and to DC Parks & Recreation to improve everyone's enjoyment of the park.
Linnean Park has a dedicated set of incredible volunteers who work to maintain and improve the park. But it is a lot to ask of local residents only. As an ANC member, I will work to raise issues like trail maintenance or access signage with DC Parks & Recreation.
Work with Casey Trees, the DC Arborist, and 311 to maintain and expand our tree canopy
There are services that the city provides as requested to maintain existing trees, remove diseased or dangerous dead trees, and plant new trees to replace these, but the services require community engagement to activate through the filing of 311 requests. As an ANC member, I will encourage grassroots efforts such as tree walks to help connect residents to these services.
