Parks and Open Space

Washington, DC enjoys a remarkable wealth of parks—from the large forested areas of Rock Creek Park to small neighborhood parks, playgrounds and ball fields. In all, more than 7,650 acres of our national capital are set aside as public parks for all to enjoy and for the protection of nature. NCPC is committed to protecting this great heritage and building upon it to reflect the best of our
nation’s values to residents and visitors from around the world.

NCPC has teamed with the National Park Service and the government of the District of Columbia to form CapitalSpace. This important partnership is designed to enhance existing plans for the parks by providing closer coordination of separate initiatives. Working together, CapitalSpace partners will develop a strategic plan, based upon existing park management plans, and coordinate its implementation. The principal aims are to:

• Balance and reconcile intense demand for the parks
• Clarify appropriate uses for the parks
• Establish a coordinated city-wide system of parks
• Provide parks and open space that serve the needs of long-established neighborhoods as well as rapidly changing areas
• Attract scarce investment resources to design, operate, and maintain the city’s parks and open space to the highest standards

As this initiative moves forward, government agencies, private organizations and citizens are encouraged to participate. The goal of all the partners is the same—to make Washington parks the most beautiful in the world.

To learn more, please read the CapitalSpace brochure or visit the CapitalSpace website.

PARTNERS:

• National Park Service
• District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation
• District of Columbia Office of Planning