Golden Triangle and District Agencies Announce Improvements to Duke Ellington Park

Washington, DC (August 20, 2018) – The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID), DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), DC Department of General Services (DGS), and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announce plans to make a number of improvements to Duke Ellington Park, located at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and M Street, NW.

The improvements include widening the sidewalk along M Street, reducing pedestrian crossing distances for M Street and New Hampshire Avenue, and realigning the M Street bike lane adjacent to the park. The project will also add green space, enlarge existing tree boxes and add new landscaping within the park. These improvements will be built by DGS, with funding from DPR, and additional assistance in planning from DDOT. Construction is expected to start in early 2019.

“Duke Ellington Park furthers Mayor Muriel Bowser’s mission of providing health and wellness through universal access to meaningful green spaces,” said DPR Director Keith A. Anderson. “DPR enjoys a great partnership with the Golden Triangle BID and we commend their work helping to create another amazing and unique outdoor space in the District of Columbia.“

“DGS is always a willing partner in making the city a more walkable and safe environment for its residents and visitors,” said DGS Director Greer Gillis.

The plans announced today are the next step in a full park renovation led by the BID to upgrade Duke Ellington Park. The first part of the project was completed in November 2017 and created a sustainable rainwater harvesting system for the park’s trees and plants. The system was funded through a grant from the District Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), and includes a raingarden, permeable pavers, and a 1,800 gallon underground tank.

Recently, DDOT made temporary improvements to the area’s overall safety by removing three street parking spaces adjacent to the park to increase visibility for bicycle and vehicular traffic along M Street.

“DDOT is proud to support projects that so closely align with Mayor Bowser’s commitment to Vision Zero,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. “The planned improvements will increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists while also supporting the work of DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division.”

About the Golden Triangle BID

The Golden Triangle BID is a non-profit organization that enhances the Golden Triangle — the 43-square-block neighborhood that stretches from the front yard of the White House to Dupont Circle. For more information, visit goldentriangledc.com.

Contacts:

Samantha Schmieder
Golden Triangle BID
sschmieder@goldentriangledc.com
202-463-3400

Joia Jefferson Nuri
Department of General Services
Joia.nuri@dc.gov
202-741-7665

Terry Owens
District Department of Transportation
Terry.owens@dc.gov
202-671-5124

Michael Tucker
Department of Parks and Recreation
Michael.Tucker@dc.gov
202-717-4242

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