Section 10-A817. PROS-4.1 MAXIMIZING ACCESS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS

 

817.1The need for joint planning to coordinate federal and District open space planning has been mentioned throughout this Element. In 2005, the District, the National Park Service, and the National Capital Planning Commission launched the Capital Space Initiative to increase access to green space for District residents and visitors (see text box). Its particular focus is on improving access to parks in neighborhoods where they are in short supply, such as Central and Northeast DC. Similar joint planning and design exercises should be pursued with the District’s Public Schools, and with other local governments in the region. 817.1

 

817.2Capital Space

 

Almost 20 percent of Washington, D.C.’s land area is devoted to parks and open spaces, ranging from the formal circles and squares established by the L’Enfant Plan to neighborhood “pocket parks”, large forested stream valley corridors, recreational centers, and waterfront parks. Planning, ownership and management of these different areas is provided by different branches of the District government, the federal government, and occasionally, non-profit organizations.

 

The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, the National Capital Planning Commission, the D.C. Office of Planning, and the National Park Service have joined together in a new initiative, CapitalSpace, to establish a shared planning framework to address all of the parks and open spaces within the District.

 

CapitalSpace is an opportunity to achieve a seamless system of high quality parks and open spaces meeting both national and local needs; addressing the often-competing demands placed on these spaces and clarifying their appropriate uses; ensuring that established and new neighborhoods have access to adequate parkland; and developing strategies to best use scarce resources to design, program, and maintain parks and open spaces to the highest possible standards.

 

817.3Non-profit service providers also provide recreational facilities and programs for District residents. Groups like the United Planning Organization, Friendship House Association , the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and the YMCA/YWCA fill gaps in local recreational services as they pursue their missions to foster the spiritual, mental, and physical development of individuals, families, and communities. Local colleges and universities also provide athletic programs and community services, many for free or at greatly reduced costs. These entities should not be viewed as competitors to the District’s own Department of Parks and Recreation, but rather as partners that can help increase recreational access for all. 817.3

 

817.4Policy PROS-4.1.1: National Park Service Partnerships

 

Promote expanded partnerships with the National Park Service and other District agencies to broaden the range of recreational opportunities available to District residents. 817.4

 

817.5Policy PROS-4.1.2: Joint Planning and Management Strategies

 

Develop joint planning and management strategies for all parks where the District of Columbia and National Park Service have overlapping responsibilities. Use coordinated standards for lighting, fencing, walkways, maintenance, and security in these areas. 817.5

 

817.6Policy PROS-4.1.3: Greener, More Accessible Schoolyards

 

Work with the District of Columbia Public Schools to improve the appearance and usefulness of schoolyards and outdoor recreational facilities such as playgrounds and athletic fields. Strive to make such areas more “park-like” in character, especially in communities without access to District-operated parks. 817.6

 

See the Educational Facilities Element for policies on joint use agreements between the District Government and DC Public Schools.

 

817.7Policy PROS-4.1.4: Non-Profit Recreational Facilities

 

Support the development of non-profit recreational facilities, such as Boys and Girls Clubs, to meet the recreational needs of District residents and complement the facilities provided by the District. 817.7

 

817.8Policy PROS-4.1.5: Regional Open Space Planning

 

Support federal, interstate and multi-jurisdictional efforts to preserve open space and create interconnected greenbelts and hiking trails within and around the Washington region. 817.8

 

817.9Action PROS-4.1.A: Capital Space

 

Complete the Capital Space Initiative, which will provide a coordinated strategy for open space and park management between the District and federal governments. 817.9

 

817.10Action PROS-4.1.B: Expanding Partnerships

 

Develop a comprehensive list of current parks and recreation partnerships, including detailed information on the scope and responsibilities of partnership agreements. Prepare a marketing plan aimed at solidifying new partnerships with universities, museums, professional sports teams, churches, and philanthropic groups. 817.10

 

Open spaces such as Congressional Cemetery - while not public parks - serve as important open space assets, particularly where conventional parks are in short supply.

 

817.11Action PROS-4.1.C: Sponsorships and Foundations

 

Explore opportunities for financial sponsorship of park and recreation facilities by corporate and non-profit partners, foundations, and “friends” organizations. 817.11

 

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.