As one of the city’s most important park revitalization projects, the District seeks to make capital improvements to Marvin Gaye Park. Stretching nearly two miles across Northeast Washington, the park occupies a stretch of green stream valley along Watts Branch—the largest tributary to the Anacostia River within the District of Columbia.

The first phase of construction consists of work at two of the park’s four main sections: Heritage Green and Lady Bird Johnson Meadows. The Heritage Green is located at the intersection of Division Avenue and Foote Street near the center of the park, while the Lady Bird Johnson Meadows is situated on the western end of the park bordered by Minnesota Avenue and Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue.

Specific park improvements at Heritage Green will include a community stage, playground, plaza, seat wall and tables, new shade trees, native trees, shrubs and ground covers in addition to the completion of a bicycle trail that runs throughout the park. The Lady Bird Johnson Meadows will feature improvements such as new park entrance plazas, a woodland garden, and new walkway, benches, lighting, trees and plants. A mosaic with Marvin Gaye’s image will grace the entrance of Lady Bird Johnson Meadows, in addition to other features that will be themed around the timeless hits of his storied music career.

Development Partners
Fort Myer Construction Company, EDAW landscape architects

Location
Between Minnesota Avenue and Southern Avenue across Northeast Washington in Ward 7

Development Program
• Park Space: 2 miles long
• Development Cost : $2.4 million
Civic Investments
• Provides revitalized park space for residents of Lincoln Heights/Richardson Dwellings New Communities
• Opportunity for residents and tourists to travel along Anacostia Riverfront using water taxi services
Environmental Sustainability
• 72 SYEP participants (Green Summer Job Corps) will perform plant upkeep, patrol traits for litter and waste, clean up the amphitheater area, and perform other various maintenance and beautification projects