16TH Street (Powell Park) UPDATE / Emergency Tree Removal

[Christine Miller]

Good Morning,

There is an emergency removal scheduled for a tree that is dying, and the park will be closed THIS Monday. We discussed this tree at our last presentation but a reminder that this tree was identified and it's removal was done in consultation with DDOT's forestry division and their arborist.

The tree extraction coincides with all of the permits clearing, both DCRA and the permit for DDOT's public right away. The contractor is now able to begin the construction of the park: the equipment is purchased, all of their permits are cleared, and they are ready to go! 

Yay! 🥳🥳

Because we are pushing up against colder and potentially inclement weather challenges, the goal is to begin this as soon as possible. They will move from the tree removal to setting up construction fencing in preparation to begin following Thanksgiving weekend. For safety reasons, the park will be closed throughout construction.

The expectation is to have it completed by the end of the year...which will only be about 5 weeks away once it starts!

Details on presentation here: https://dgs.dc.gov/page/16th-street-playground-equipment

Don't forget to sign up for the Pals of Powell Park listserv for updates and to join in our clean-up and support for this space: https://groups.google.com/g/palsofpowellpark

I'll have some updates from DPR shortly and will circulate those when available.

Best,

Christine

[Christine Miller]

Good Afternoon (and good news!)

An update on the update: 

The work has officially and finally started on the park starting with the tree removal this afternoon, and they have already set up the construction fencing around the perimeter. As of today, The DC Department of Parks and Recreation and the DC Department of General Services have announced to the community that the 16^th Street Playground is now closed through Early Spring 2021 for renovations to the park and playground. 

Please note: the tennis courts will remain open for the duration of the project. The basketball court is currently closed per COVID regulations, but is not affected by the current work as this court and the tennis courts were renovated in the spring. The baseball field is currently offline, as are all permitted fields for the winter, but will open back up in March.

     

A reminder, the upcoming renovations will include the following:

• brand new playground equipment 

• the addition of a picnic pavilion
• a separated central community gathering space
• upgrades to a future community gardens 

 

You can visit the project website here: https://dgs.dc.gov/page/16th-street-playground-equipment




Best,




Christine

[Rena Greifinger]

This is great news!

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