Frequently Asked Questions

Who came up with the idea for this community park and garden?

The conversion of unused spaces into community parks and gardens is popular across DC and cities all over the country. These locations quickly become enjoyable meeting places for neighbors and great locations to experience a bit of nature in the heart of the city. The idea for converting the lot at 13th & C Streets, SE into such a place was developed by neighbors from throughout the Capitol Hill community.

Who is going to develop and maintain the community park and garden?

The development of the property will be led by the DC Housing Authority and its contractors, with support from the 13th Street Community Park and Garden organization, which will ultimately maintain the property.

What will the community park and garden look like?

Although a preliminary concept has been determined, click here to view PDF, the final design will be based upon the input of the 13th Street Community Park and Garden organization, the DCHA, and a professional landscape company. We expect that the park will feature spaces for leisure activity, including benches, archways and shade pergolas. It also will include lush gardens of flowers, trees and shrubbery. Finally, the park will include opportunities for personal and group gardening.

Who can be a part of the community park and garden?

The community park and garden is a public space for use by everyone! The maintenance of the site will require considerable efforts by the 13th Street Community Park and Garden organization, which welcomes everyone to join. Plots will be determined based on a final design, with preference to Kentucky Courts Apartments residents and then the surrounding community, as determined by the organization.

When will the park and garden be completed?

We hope to have the infrastructure (water, electricity, soil, pathways, etc.) and initial plants and trees in place for
Fall 2008. Gardens take time to grow, however, so the lot will always be improving!