(Washington, DC) – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty joined administration officials and community members for a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the first phase of construction for improvements to Marvin Gaye Park. The project is part of the District’s goal of building a world-class network of urban parks throughout the Anacostia River Watershed.

“Marvin Gaye Park is one of the District’s most important park revitalization projects,” said Mayor Fenty. “As we move forward with key improvements, residents will enjoy a park that not only beautifies their communities but also embraces the memory of a celebrated artist and native Washingtonian.”

Stretching nearly two miles across Northeast Washington, the park and occupies a stretch of green stream valley along Watts Branch—the largest tributary to the Anacostia River within the District of Columbia. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony took place in the center of the park, in the heart of the Lincoln Heights/Richardson Dwellings New Community.

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 section of the park is located at the intersection of Division Avenue and Foote Street near the center of the park, while the Lady Bird Johnson Meadows section 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.

Formerly Watts Branch Park, in 2006 the District renamed the site after the visionary soul singer who was born and raised in the Capitol Heights area of Northeast Washington. He often performed at the Crystal Lounge (now the Riverside Community Center) after beginning his professional music career.

Revitalization efforts at Heritage Green and Lady Bird Johnson Meadows will cost approximately $2.4 million. The District is partnering with Fort Myer Construction and EDAW landscape architects on improvements to the park. Construction on the two sections of the park is expected to be complete by the end of 2009.

As part of the District Department of the Environment Green Summer Job Corps, 72 participants of the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) will be employed to perform plant upkeep, patrol trails for litter and waste, clean up the amphitheater area, and other various maintenance and beautification projects at Marvin Gaye Park.

At the same time, the Office of Planning is leading the Watts Branch Initiative, a unique effort to coordinate the investments of 13 different DC Government agencies to ensure a targeted, positive impact in the Watts Branch. This 3-year pilot project aims to demonstrate how environmental restoration of the Marvin Gaye Park and the Watts Branch Stream Valley can result in improved health and economic well being in the community. Watts Branch is the longest city park and creek in Washington. With its 3.7-square-mile watershed covering a large section of Ward 7 and Prince George's County, Watts Branch is a major stream system feeding into the Anacostia River.

The Watts Branch Initiative’s major goals are to:

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Create a fishable stream within 5 years;
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Reduce sediment in the stream by 35 percent by restoring 1.9 miles of the Watts Branch Stream;
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Increase programs available for youths and seniors in the park by 20 percent each year.
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Reduce illegal bulk trash dumping and abandoned autos by 50 percent in three years

Marvin Gaye Park is one of six public parks the District is building within the Anacostia River’s watershed. Earlier this year, the District broke ground on the half-acre Diamond Teague Park between Nationals Park and the river. Nearby, along with its partners at Forest City Washington, the District also broke ground on a nearly six-acre park at The Yards.

The District has plans for a three-block long Canal Park near M Street and New Jersey Avenue SE; the revitalization of Kingman Island and a new 70-acre world class waterfront park at Poplar Point.

Media Contacts

• Sean Madigan, (202) 615-2029

• Feras Sleiman, (202) 251-8829