Letter
Dear Mr. Albert:
During its meeting on 17 October, the Commission reviewed the proposed improvements to Rose Park located at 26th and O Streets, NW. As part of our review and since the park is within the boundaries of the Georgetown Historic District, the project was presented to our Old Georgetown Board at their meeting on 3 October where it was well received.
The replacement of the existing chain-link fence with a wrought-iron fence with decorative gate posts is an improvement. The playground equipment is similar to that used by the National Park Service and will create a welcome amenity for the neighborhood. The signs, benches, and information kiosk are part of an overall unified scheme for the park. These elements of the project were approved.
However, the proposed use of eight 16-feet high Washington Globe light fixtures along the walking path raised some concern. Though the light fixtures themselves are not objectionable, their possible visual impact on the higher elevation of Rock Creek Parkway needs further consideration. We encourage you and the National Park Service to study options available to minimize any such impact. Our staff is available to assist in coordinating this meeting.
We look forward to the review of additional Department of Parks and Recreation projects.
/s/
Harry G. Robinson III, FAIA
Chairman
Neil O. Albert, Director
Government of the District of Columbia
Department of Parks and Recreation
3149 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20010
cc:
Ted Pochter, DC DPR
Adrienne A. Coleman, NPS
Pam Moore, Friends of Rose Park
Nancy Kassner, DC HPD
Peter Pulsifer, ANC 2E