The visionary renovation for Franklin Park, DowntownDC’s largest green space, and the planning partnership between the BID, the National Park Service (NPS) and the DC Office of Planning (OP) behind it, were the topic of discussion May 4 at the American Planning Association’s (APA) national conference in New York.
The BID’s Director of Infrastructure Ellen Jones was one of three panelists to present “Franklin Park Vision and Transformation Plan: Successful Interagency Collaborative Planning,” as part of APA’s Federal Planning Division Workshop. Jones participated in a panel with NPS Planner Eliza Voigt and OP Urban Designer Thor Nelson.
The Franklin Park planning partnership was created in 2012 between the BID, NPS, which owns the park, and OP around a shared vision for Franklin Park to become a vibrant, 21st century urban park with amenities that would meet the needs of workers, residents and visitors to DowntownDC.
A final concept plan and environmental assessment for the park renovation was published in 2015. Design plans include a renovated fountain, event space, a cafe, a children’s play area and more.
The D.C. Government appropriated $13.9 million for the transformation of the park in the DC capital budget and the BID has committed to providing the management and operation of the park after construction. NPS and the city are currently finalizing their agreement, which will enable the plan to move towards implementation.
[Read more about the history of Franklin Park’s planning effort here.]