The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) redeveloped the French Street Park located at 10th and French Streets, NW, to provide new recreational opportunities, improve the physical and visual appearance of the park, and enhance the overall enjoyment of this park by the community.
The French Street Park was originally designed and constructed in the early 1970s. The Brutalist design elements -- the use of exposed or "raw concrete" -- within the site were popular during the 1970s but today are considered unattractive, uncomfortable and, in some cases, even unsafe.
Recent resurgence and residential development has created additional need for improved park space. In early 2007, DPR conducted several community meetings to explore the community's needs and desires for this space and, based upon this community input, developed a new design for the park.
The new park will feature:
- Community patio
- Mature trees retained at alley
- One-level paths and lawn
- Permeable pavers throughout the park for improved storm water control
- Native plants
- Monarch butterfly waystation
Goal/Milestones :
- Permit Approval—Spring 2010
- Start Date—Summer 2010
- Expected Completion Date—May 2011