Written by Rich Lukas & Eric Schwalb

For those who may recall our August entry, Eric Schwalb and I – both residents of 13th Street, SE – have been helping to create a park and garden at the corner of 13th and C Street, SE, which is currently the site of an empty lot owned by the D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA).
 
The 13th Street Community Park & Garden organization, now incorporated as a D.C. nonprofit, has been working vigilantly to solicit community opinion about the future potential for this location.  On January 12th, leaders from DCHA, Councilmember Wells, and the nonprofit’s Design Committee held a community charrette, which gathered over 50 people from throughout the community – including garden enthusiasts, Kentucky Courts residents, Casey Trees, and a documentarian who has begun filming the evolution of this would-be park and garden.

After listening to the wonderful concepts and ideas brought forward through the charrette, the Design Committee – led by the professional expertise of Colleen Garibaldi, Liz Guthrie, and Heather Deutsch – has synthesized the concepts into tentative designs that will soon be presented to DCHA and the public.

While we await the groundbreaking of the site, we look forward to hosting several events to continue the amazing community momentum behind this initiative.  Although DCHA has agreed to pay for the construction costs, it will be up to the 13th St. Community Park & Garden organization to maintain the park and garden.  Consequently, a Fundraising Committee, spearheaded by Christy Schwalb, Courtney Mabeus, and Jeffrey Seltzer, has quickly been put to task in order to track and raise finances.

To maintain the park and garden, and to offset initial startup costs and filing fees, we need your help to raise funds. We invite you to our first fundraiser:

WHAT: A Neighborhood Happy Hour – mingle with your neighbors and find out the latest plans for the site.  Food & drink provided!

WHEN: Saturday, February 23rd from 4 to 6 p.m.

WHERE: 307 13th Street, SE

COST: $20 per adult; $40 per household (kids welcome!)

Checks may be made out to the "13th Street Community Park and Garden, Inc." Receipts also will be available for cash payments.

Once again we are enthralled to have such enlightened community leaders and so much citizen support behind this project.  As a reminder, the 13th St. Community Park & Garden organization and its committees are always open to anyone who is interested in joining.  More information, news of upcoming events, and how you can contribute to this project can all be found on our Official Website.  

We hope that you can join us on February 23rd! 

Richard Lukas                        Eric Schwalb
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