DC’s parks are rated No. 1 by the Trust for Public Land. This rating however masks several problems. Once one looks beyond the National Mall, one sees crumbling infrastructure, trail overgrowth, trash and inadequate management by the National Park Service and the District. This Committee of 100 Conversation will focus on the administration of DC’s neighborhood parks, including the need for activated parkland in the downtown area. The speakers will be:
Rachel Clark – independent policy strategist and researcher focused on health and sustainability who, while at GWU’s Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness, authored Neighborhood Park Service, a key report on how federal control of DC’s parks shapes equity in access, maintenance, and community benefit.
Becky Strauss, Director of Economic Initiatives at the Federal City Council, and a leader of the FCC’s Park’s Task Force that’s exploring issues with park administration.
Gerren Price/Mark Simpson will review the Downtown BID’s efforts to activate downtown parks owned by the National Park Service, including Franklin Park.
Thursday, October 23, 2025, beginning at 6:30 PM
First Congregational UCC, 945 G Street, NW, Washington, DC (at the corner of 10th and G St)
(There is no charge for the event, but registration is encouraged)
Attendees will be able to submit questions during a moderated Q and A. Light refreshments will follow.