Letter
Dear Mr. Hawkins:
In its meeting of 15 June, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a second concept submission for two new green infrastructure parks on Reservations #541 and #577, located along Kansas Avenue at 2nd and Longfellow Streets, NW, and at 3rd and Ingraham Streets, NW. Commending the progress of the proposal and the expansion of the design team with a landscape architect consultant, the Commission approved the designs with the following recommendations for their further development.
The Commission members observed that these two revised triangle park designs can now be understood both as site-specific solutions and as parts of a larger network of green infrastructure parks to reduce stormwater overflow in the District of Columbia. The reconception of the parks has resulted in more coherent designs that would foster human interaction and the sustainable treatment of stormwater. They observed that the concept for the park at 3rd and Ingraham Streets uses a wooden surface for the path as it crosses the rain garden to indicate where water would flow beneath; commenting that such gestures would heighten visitors’ awareness of the presence of water, they recommended incorporating comparable features within the design of the other park. Emphasizing the need to provide as much shade as possible in both parks, they recommended planting more closely spaced large canopy trees instead of understory trees, if necessary locating some on the park side of the sidewalk in addition to those along the street. To further increase comfort, they advised including site furnishings appropriate for older adults as well as for children and parents. Finally, noting that climate change may lead to more extreme weather, they encouraged the designers to ensure that the parks have the capacity to accommodate heavier rainfall events.
The Commission reiterated its strong support for DC Water’s commitment to the green infrastructure program. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
George S. Hawkins, General Manager
DC Water
5000 Overlook Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20032
cc: Andrew Dobshinsky, WRT