The History of the 13th Street Community
Park and Garden is just beginning.

The Lot

Like many community parks and gardens in Washington, DC and in cities across the country, the 13th Street Community Park and Garden is rising from humble beginnings. The site, at the corner of 13th & C Streets, SE in Washington's Capitol Hill neighborhood, has sat for decades as a prominent, but empty lot, save for a dumpster and the occasional illegal deposit of trash.

The Idea Takes Shape

The site is owned by the D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA), as part of the Kentucky Courts retirement community. Early in 2007, a group of interested neighbors of the lot conceived a better use - a community park and garden. DCHA, and its Executive Director Mike Kelly embraced the idea, and with the considerable help of Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells, the 13th Street Community Park and Garden was born.

The Community Expresses Support

In September of 2007, a community kick-off event featured over 100 neighbors who came together to embrace the idea and to offer their support for the cause. By October of 2007, professional signs were posted on the site, announcing to passersby that the community park and garden is "Coming in Spring 2008."

Development Begins

By Fall of 2007, the development of the lot began to proceed on several tracks:

  • On one track, the control of the land is being determined. At present, DCHA is considering a very long term (such as 99-years) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the DC Parks and Recreation (DPR) Department. The MOU would require the site to be used as a park and garden during the term of the agreement. Another option is to deed the land from DCHA to DPR. One benefit of giving the land to DPR is that it likely would prohibit forever the commercial development of the lot. In either event, the park and garden would be leased long-term to the community organization: 13th Street Community Park and Garden, Inc., which was incorporated as a non-profit earlier this year. The organization would be tasked with the stewardship of the park, the recruiting of gardeners, and the like.
  • On the next track, the design of the garden is being determined. The design, largely influenced by the 13th Street Community Park and Garden organization, will be implemented in conjunction with other landscape improvements underway at Kentucky Courts.
  • Finally, the construction of the garden is to be undertaken by DCHA, with help from the 13th Street Community Park and Garden organization. The lot will be raised and the soil tested and treated as needed. Based upon designs noted above, the hardscape features of the garden, such as walkways, pergolas, lighting, water, and the like, will be installed. Then, trees donated from Casey Trees, and other plants from Ginkgo Gardens and other sponsors will be added. Areas also will be dedicated to personal gardening, with preference to Kentucky Courts residents. The end result will be a place for the entire community to come together to enjoy the city's wonderful seasons.

Be a part of our history; check out Join Us for more information on how you can join the cause.