Michigan Park Citizens Association

Neighbors and members of the Michigan Citizens Association gathered for Spring cleanup of the triangle park, Michigan Ave/12^th St/Shephard St. Neighbors were joined by Metropolitan Police Department Officers Theodore Gay and Lacey Wilkins, who were very helpful. Several bags of debris and litter were removed. A table was set up on the old cobblestones in the center of the park around which neighbors enjoyed coffee and refreshments during the morning’s efforts.  Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) representative Katie Reinwaldt walked through the park with MPCA President Tom Lavash and MPCA member Paul Wood. They discussed accessing a nearby water line for use in watering plants and newly planted trees in the park, a long term goal of MPCA. MPCA became a park partner with DPR sharing responsibilities for the care and maintenance of the triangle park in June 2011.

The first MPCA sponsored tree planting funded by Casey Trees was held at this park on May 1, 2010.  A total of ten trees were planted and included three Tupelo (Black Gum), three Serviceberries and one each Silver Linden, Southern Magnolia, Japanese Cryptomeria, Red Maple, and Japanese Maple.  All of the tress planted in 2010 are thriving.

Pictured are several of the neighbors who had participated in today’s park cleanup.

Neighbors pictured L to R – Christine, Tom, Elizabeth, Don, Ingrid & Officer Wilkins

Saint Jospeh Seminary

Saint Jospeh Seminary

Casey Trees led an effort of neighbors and residents to plant 40 trees in front of the Saint Joseph Seminary at 1200 Varnum Street NE on Saturday, April 5, 2014. The Seminary sits upon a large lot which takes up most of the block, and the trees will be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. As MPCA President Tom Lavash, whose efforts were instrumental in coordinating the event with Bishop Ricard, noted, “We had a fantastic tree planting project [Saturday], planting 40 beautiful trees.  The turnout was extraordinary; in fact, there were more volunteers than trees to plant, so 10-12 people cleaned up winter detritus on the seminary’s grounds.  Bishop Ricard and his staff were thrilled, and they treated us to a delicious lunch after the planting.  My heartfelt appreciation to all who volunteered.”

Elements of DPR Master Plan

Department of Public Works (DPR) hosted its 2^nd annual park partnership meeting at Reynolds Recreational Center. Representatives from community groups to include the Michigan Park Citizens Association (MPCA) participated in the half-day discussions.  Led by Kathleen Rehwaldt, DPR staff members outlined its master plan update which addressed Parklands, Recreation Centers, Aquatic Facilities, Outdoor facilities, Programs, Trails to include bikeways, and Natural Areas (see attachments). Broad steps for each element of the master plan were discussed.

Additionally, invited speakers addressed specific programs to include Green Spaces for D.C (greenspaces4dc.org), Love My Block grants by Jeffery Richardson of Serve DC and Washington Parks & People (washingtonparks.net) by Steve Coleman. Mr. Coleman related the fascinating story of the community’s successful efforts to make the Meridian Hill park safe for residents following a surge in homicides, an accomplishment recognized by President Bill Clinton during a visit to the park in April 1994. MPCA is a park partner with DPR for care and maintenance of the triangle park at Michigan Avenue, 12^th Street NE and Shephard Street NE.