National Park Service invites comments on future designs for Rock Creek Park’s Nature Center Complex

Date: October 31, 2016
Contact: Emily Linroth, 202-619-7156

WASHINGTON – Please join us for two public meetings to help shape the future of Rock Creek Park’s Nature Center, Horse Center, Maintenance Area and immediate surroundings. The National Park Service is developing a plan for these areas that will renovate buildings, further protect park resources, and create more opportunities to explore and learn in the park.

WHEN: Both meetings will run from 6:30 to 8:00 with a brief presentation at 7:00.

WHERE:

Wednesday Nov. 16: Chevy Chase Library, 5625 Connecticut Ave NW

Thursday Nov. 17: Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15th St NW

The NPS seeks to strengthen community connections, reduce conflicts between visitor use and park operations, and provide a more modern, accessible and intuitive experience for visitors. The Development Concept Plan and Environmental Assessment will address visitor experience and safety, protection of cultural and natural resources, partner uses of the area, and the location of visitor amenities and operational facilities. It will take into consideration the opportunities, issues and vision for the area identified by park staff, the public and other stakeholders.

The NPS has developed several concepts for the area:

• Concept 1: No Action would continue present management practices without any new construction.

• Concept 2:  Fix It would keep the current buildings, but reconfigure interiors to enhance experiences for visitors, volunteers, partners and park staff.

• Concept 3: Escape from the City would focus on Rock Creek Park as a quiet refuge from DC, expanding educational outreach opportunities and improving amenities for partners and communities.

• Concept 4: Green Campus would create a sustainable campus with net-zero emissions, dynamic nature exhibits and classrooms and gathering spaces.

In addition to participating in public meetings, you can share your comments online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/rocrdcp during the 30-day public comment period (closing on Dec. 12, 2016).

You may also send comments by mail to:

Superintendent
Attention: Rock Creek Park DCP
3545 Williamsburg Lane NW
Washington, DC 20008

Please Note: Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.