The DC Office of Planning along with federal partners and stakeholders are examining access, availability, and programming for park and open spaces in DC's Downtown and the emerging high-density neighborhoods north of Massachusetts Avenue.  The objective of this examination is to understand what type of improvements will better serve Downtown's workers and growing residential population.  The examination will look at both how we can better use existing parks such as Mt. Vernon Square and the many triangle parks, such as Gompers Park, but also plan for new parks and open spaces in areas where they are needed. By completing this survey you will help us better understand how to plan for these parks to better serve area residents and workers. If you would like more information on this effort, please contact Thor Nelson at (202) 741-5241 or by email at thor.nelson@dc.gov

The park survey can be found at: Downtown Parks and Open Space Survey

We knew it was coming but we didn't dare hope too much...Years of activism can breed cynicism, especially with this particular swath of land, so I was repeating `I'll believe it when I see it` ad nauseum...yet...despite the acrimonious history, the murders, even the tears, we are getting a groundbreaking!  Monday Sept. 28th at 2pm.  This is the stuff that makes my day.  Lets make a happy new history for this budding community oasis.

This news is made doubly sweet by yesterday's groundbreaking for another park at 10th & M.

So much going on! Be sure to attend the Heart of DC Picnic tomorrow in Mount Vernon Square, its going to be fabulous!  There will be all kinds of activities including fitness demos, composting demo, dog show!,games, raffle, grilling + 3 walking tours starting at Carnegie Library Mt. Vernon Sq:

10am Shaw Main Streets (part of Waking Tour DC) led by Alex Padro

12Noon Mount Vernon Triangle CID led by Bill McLeod

2pm Historic Society (meet at the south lobby inside) led by Brian Hopkins

Next MVSNA meeting will be Tuesday Sept 22, 7:30pm at the Yale Steam Laundry, 437 NY Ave NW.  We have a big fat agenda that can be viewed here (mini newsletter) along with a list of upcoming meetings.  There is one correction to the meeting list: the October 13 DNA/PSA 101 meeting will be held at District Chophouse at 509 7th st NW.  Also there is an addition to the MVSNA meeting agenda:  We will hear from Bill Capello, looking for a letter of recommendation for the DC Eagle in preperation for an eventual move.

Just a five minute drive from Mount Vernon Square lies the National Arboretum.  Just drive east down New York Avenue and get into the service lane before the Washington Times building. 

After more than a decade of living in DC, I finally made it down last month. It was a perfect day and I was surprised to find the place was practically empty. 

Even more surprising is what we found inside.  What a treasure.  I highly recommend taking a day to walk around or even just bringing your lunch down to sit by the carp pond.  Here are a few photos.

yesterday we decided to take a stroll with some neighbors up to the Bloomingdale Farmers Market which was absolutely delightful! Only steps away at 1st & R NW, the market hrs are 10am-2pm and neighborhood gardener MS tells me it runs til November.  enjoy some pics:

Heirloom Tomatoes in every hue...I'm so excited Miss Mari is posting on how to can them!

more gorgeous tomatoes...

the top of the market...

Big Bear Cafe was PACKED

They thoughtfully had set up a misting hose by the alley, the children & canines were loving it

this has GOT to be miss Mari's garden

My market haul including purple string beans, purple basil (common good city farm) and the most incredible 24 a$$ed tomato!

Safeway has some cracked glass.

Longview Gallery mascot Walker on their last day at 9th & N. (Longview is moving a half a block down 9th street & will reopen in a few months.  they do kicka$$ framing)

One of Frank's gorgeous sunflowers at Old City Green at 9th & N...everything is on sale!

I planted this lovely Crepe Myrtle at 6th & M, got it from Old City Green ;) the red house with the black(& gold!) trim has been newly renovated into nice condos, a welcome change from the former drug house with poo flinging denizens.

Our newest 5th street addition, Gabi!

Great news for families with children who live near and around Bundy Park (see above url). This week, the Scott Montgomery School is getting new playground equipment, which will have access for local families with age appropriate children, on the 1500 block of Fifth St NW. There is also a pumpkin patch planned for this fall which will be a part of a new edible and educational garden (facing P St, just a few steps north of Bundy Park).

There's also video coverage of the lively dog park discussion from last month featuring neighborhood leaders on the DC Compass video blog, linked from here: http://www.ccca-online.org/node/71

N Street Sunset

A great event at Good Libations last month

cute kid, cute dog (fiona) in front of Busboys K st

rainbow over 6th Street

ANC 2C03 Commissioner Brooks continuous campaign...?!

lusciously fragrant lilies at 6th & M

Progress at 4th & Ridge!

Mt. Vernon Vinyards randomly growing on 4th!

bunny in the alley on 5th

city vista

Register for DCPS Beautifcation Day!

We have several public schools in our area that would benefit from having hardworking neighbors come out  and make everything nice & neat!  The event will be help on Saturday August 22nd from 8am-1pm.  Go register!