A Conversation on Creating an Equitable Neighborhood Park System

Welcome to a Conversation on Creating an Equitable Neighborhood Park System! Join us at the First Congregational United Church of Christ for an intriguing conversation.

DC’s parks are rated No. 1 by the Trust for Public Land. This rating however masks a number of problems. Once one looks beyond the National Mall, one sees crumbling infrastructure, trail overgrowth, trash and inadequate management by the National Park Service and the District. This Committee of 100 Conversation will focus on the administration of DC’s neighborhood parks, including the need for activated parkland in the downtown area. The speakers will be:

• Rachel Clark – independent policy strategist and researcher focused on health and sustainability who, while at GWU’s Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness, authored , a key report on how federal control of DC's parks shapes equity in access, maintenance, and community benefit.
• Bill Potapchuk, President and founder of the Community Building Institute (CBI) and a member of the Federal City Council’s Park’s Task Force that’s exploring issues with park administration
• Gerren Price/Mark Simpson will review the Downtown BID’s efforts to activate downtown parks owned by the National Park Service, including Franklin Park.

There will be time for questions and comments from the audience. The program will be in person and recorded. Light refreshments to follow.

The church is located at the corner of 10th & G Streets, N.W. -- between the Metro Center and Gallery Place Stations. Event parking is available in the building for a fee of $15; use 980 G Place, NW for Google or GPS directions to the garage entrance at the back of the building.

The Committee of 100 on the Federal City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding and advancing Washington’s historic distinction, natural beauty and overall livability. The Committee’s officers, trustees and volunteer members contribute expertise and civic action in the service of responsible planning.

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