In DC there are over 1,100 District-owned small parks and open spaces which amount to a total of 148 acres. This study is the pilot project of a larger initiative to improve DC’s small parks and open spaces by incorporating resilient design features. Alongside a team led by Ramboll, Moody Graham worked on the comprehensive site analysis of two clusters, conducted site interviews, and engaged in public outreach to understand the community’s specific needs.

The project team developed an in-depth understanding of cultural resiliency strategies that address the safety and educational needs raised by the community. Moody Graham proposed systematic thinking for cluster-level linkage between small park sites and the conceptual design of pilot sites, which will act as a model for future resilience studies in other parts of the city. 

existing conditions and site analysis

The project team used a Resilience Assessment Tool developed by OP and DPR as the basis for the small park cluster selections. During this initial phase, two clusters of small parks - one along Minnesota Ave in Fairlawn/Anacostia and the other along Bladensburg Road in Langdon - were selected for analysis and concept-level design development. 

cluster-level design strategy

 The cluster-level design strategy aims to develop a "thread" that links several small park sites into a cohesive system of open spaces. By carefully listening to and analyzing community feedback, the project team developed two design solutions for each cluster and a set of tools to improve the pedestrian experience along the entire corridor.

The Minnesota Avenue cluster focused on creating a safe space that fosters a sense of community ownership.

The Bladensburg Road cluster aims to educate people about the local history and create a place of interest.

pilot sites

After analyzing public meeting feedback on the cluster-level designs, the project team selected one parcel in each cluster as a pilot site. 

Following the community's strong desire for a safe environment that retains the natural beauty of the selected parcel, the design focuses on maximizing flexibility for neighborhood gatherings while minimizing hardscape elements and additional maintenance requirements. By emphasizing planting design, moderate grading changes, and adding essential park utilities such as lighting, the design improves the accessibility, usability, and visibility of the parcel. Additionally, the proposal provides an expandable base for more recreational programs through phased development, balancing the current challenges with residents' ultimate goals.

The focus for Bladensburg Rd is to create an educational thread of local history. The selected parcel, located at the junction of a quiet, family-oriented residential neighborhood, and a noisy, high-traffic DC-Maryland arterial road, is designed with a berm next to the road that follows the existing grading of the site. The berm reduces undesirable noise and improves safety within the park. The other side of the berm features a gradually sloped community park that integrates a nature zone for families. Emerging seat walls will be engraved with local geological "memories," and complemented by native plants and recycled timber.

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