In September of 2007 the Friends of 16th Street Heights Parks held a community visioning event to seek input from the community (including ANC's and City Council Member Bowser) on ways to improve and revitalize Upshur and Hamilton Parks. This event highlighted the interest in developing a sustainable/green parks for our neighborhood and our city.

Based upon this original meeting, DPR worked with the Friends of 16th Street Heights Parks to increase recreational opportunities at Upshur Recreation Center, thereby enhancing the overall usability of the site by the community. One of the big opportunities at Upshur Park was to renovate the playground.

Once completed, the new playground will incorporate low impact design and innovative play elements while providing environmental education opportunities for the community.

The scope of work for the project includes installation of rubberized surface, removal of existing equipment and installation of new playground equipment, installation of new site furnishing, new ornamental fences, landscaping, etc.

Goal/Milestones :

• Groundbreaking—September 8, 2010
• Construction Began—September 2010
• Construction Completed—Spring 2011